Smoked Meatloaf
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This Traeger Smoked Meatloaf recipe is a cheesy, flavorful twist on classic meatloaf. It is cooked low and slow on a pellet grill for an unbeatable smoky taste every time.
This epic Smoked Meatloaf recipe is going to turn all of your meatloaf haters into fans! This comfort food is perfectly smoked with a beautiful pink smoke ring, bursting with flavor and oh so juicy! Everyone will be asking for seconds of this easy meatloaf recipe when you try it. Your kids will even devour it! Honestly, this is the best meatloaf recipe you will find for your smoker.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- It’s so easy! That’s right, just prep it, place it on the grill grates and let the smoker work it’s magic.
- It’s better than Grandma’s meatloaf! Hear me out, meatloaf gets a bad rap sometimes, but this is juicy and full of flavor.
- Smoked meatloaf is a hit with the family. It is perfectly seasoned, it’s got cheese mixed in it and frankly, it’s so amazing.
Ingredients for Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
- Ground meat – We mix together ground beef, ground pork and cooked bacon.
- Eggs – These are a great binder that also add some flavor and protein.
- Bread crumbs – Italian Panko crumbs are pre-seasoned for perfect flavor every time.
- Milk – Milk binds the meat together and also adds moisture so it doesn’t dry out.
- Seasonings – A perfect blend of seasoned salt, garlic powder and ground black pepper make it mouthwatering.
- Yellow onion – You can use frozen diced onions to save on time.
- Cheddar cheese – Grab a block and grate it yourself and it will melt better.
How to Make Smoked Meatloaf
- Preheat the smoker to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you load the wood chips into the hopper.
- Combine all ingredients, do not over-mix or your meatloaf will become tough. Shape into a loaf.
- Place on smoker and smoke for about 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove from smoker and allow to rest 5 minutes. Slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- If your meatloaf is falling apart, fold in more breadcrumbs or another egg.
- We recommend using a wireless thermometer to easily monitor the internal temperature of your meatloaf.
- An easy trick is to buy a rack to place the meatloaf on. This means you don’t have to transfer your meatloaf onto the smoker grate and there’s less chance of it falling apart. Remove the rack and bring it inside to slice the meatloaf when it’s done! You can also use any pan you have as long as it has holes on the bottom, like a grill pan, so the smoke can circulate all around the meatloaf.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: If you think it will be a while before it’s eaten, just wrap it in aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer safe resealable bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a great meatloaf sandwich, you know what to do! Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy.
Using the oven to reheat the leftovers helps keep it moist and evenly heated. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your leftover meatloaf in an oven safe dish and add a bit of water or broth so it stays moist.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, place it in the preheated oven and reheat until the center is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The time it will take to reheat depends on how many leftovers you have.
Now you have the BEST meatloaf recipe you will ever make and the secret is making it on your pellet grill to get that amazing smoky flavor.
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Smoked Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 8 strips bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 eggs whisked
- ½ cup Italian Panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare electric smoker to 325 degrees Fahrenheit according to manufacturer's directions.
- In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients. Shape into a loaf.
- Place on smoker and smoke until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit which should take about 1 ½ hours.
- Remove from smoker and allow to rest 5 minutes. Slice and serve.
Nutrition Information
How To Serve Smoked Meatloaf
Every meal needs a delicious, carb loaded side and that’s where this Cheesy Grilled Garlic Bread steps in and saves the day. A delicious side salad and a great way to use up leftover corn is making our Grilled Corn Salad. It’s filled with juicy tomatoes, avocado, lime juice, red onion and cilantro. We love eating potatoes with hearty meatloaf and Best Ever Potato Salad and Smoked Baked Potatoes are two great side potato options that always disappear.
Don’t forget about dessert! If you’ve got a load of farm fresh strawberries (or even if you don’t), Smoked Strawberry Crisp is a must serve!
More Meatloaf Inspired Recipes!
- Mouthwatering Mini Smoked Meatloaf are topped with a delicious sauce and a household favorite.
- More cheese and topped with BBQ sauce. You can’t go wrong with this Cheesy BBQ Smoked Meatloaf.
- Spruce up your family’s regular meatloaf with an Italian Meatloaf. Your favorite comfort food, but taken up a notch with Italian seasonings and sauce.
Kristin says
I will never eat meat loaf another way again. This was amazing! Even our toddler wanted seconds!
Brooke Kill says
Thank you!! Thats so great to hear!
Barb Johnson says
Love this recipe, I’ve only made it in the oven, I don’t use my smoker in the winter in MN. I can’t wait to try smoking it. I make it about every two weeks, the leftovers are as good as the first meal.
Brooke Kill says
I’m so happy you enjoyed Barb! Let us know how it goes when you use the smoker!
Ana says
Delicious !!!
Brooke Kill says
Thank you Ana!
Liz Remsberg says
This is so good; I will never use another meatloaf recipe. Ever!
Brooke Kill says
That’s so great to hear, Liz!
Gail says
I have never been a meatloaf fan but this has converted me. So much flavor.
I found that the meat tagged through the rack and became difficult to cut & serve so covered the rack in foil & poked some holes in it to allow for the grease to drip off then put the rack on a cookie sheet to avoid scorching the bottom.
Brooke Kill says
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe, Gail! Thank you for sharing!
Michelle says
I smoked this and just did it in oven, because too wet and cold today! Terrific recipe, like it better smoked, but delicious in oven too. A keeper!
Brooke Kill says
Happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe Michelle!
Jay says
fantastic
absolutely delicious
Brooke Kill says
Yay! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe!
Michelle says
Don’t think I’ll make meatloaf any other way. Delicious!!
Brooke Kill says
Yay! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed!
Vonnie says
Loved this meatloaf. We put the bacon around the meatloaf..
Brooke Kill says
Oh that sounds delicious!