Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and help the meatloaf release cleanly after baking.
Mix the Meatloaf Base: Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of milk, ¼ cup ketchup, and 1 finely chopped onion. Add in your seasonings: 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until just combined gently. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense instead of tender.
Shape and Bake: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press it down evenly to shape the loaf. Please place it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Make the BBQ Glaze: While it bakes, prepare the signature Mission BBQ-style glaze. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (if using). Stir well until smooth and set aside.
Add the Glaze: After 45 minutes of baking, take the meatloaf out of the oven and generously spoon the BBQ glaze over the top. Spread it evenly to coat. Return the loaf to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve: Once fully cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for cleaner slices.