1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it evenly with your hands to shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of the barbecue sauce with the honey. Pour this mixture over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it with a spoon to ensure it’s evenly coated.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The glaze should be caramelized and slightly sticky.
6. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

When my dad made meatloaf, he always let it rest for a bit before cutting into it. “Patience is key,” he’d say, and oh, how right he was.