Smoked Meatloaf
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
A delicious smoked meatloaf recipe that is full of smoked flavor and cheese! This Traeger Meatloaf is smoked one your pellet grill and is amazing. It’s a fun twist on your traditional meatloaf recipe that will have you always making yours on your electric smoker! Once you try this you’ll never want it any other way. So simple and delicious. It’s a great easy, beginner recipe, but yet so flavorful that even the seasoned pro will love this!
Everyone loved these Cheesy BBQ Smoked Meatloaf and Mini Smoked Meatloaf Recipe, in fact, it was so good everyone was asking for more! So I knew it was time for another delicious recipe. I know you’ll like this smoked meatloaf as much as the mini’s!
It’s easy to make so if you’re new to a smoker, or an old pro, you’re going to love this tender meatloaf that is smoked right on your grill!
When my husband took this Smoked Meatloaf off the smoker I couldn’t wait to dig in.
Seriously, you guys, the aroma of it alone had me drooling.
Then I took a bit of it and I will NEVER be making meatloaf another way.
The flavor from it being smoked on our favorite Traeger took it to a whole new level!
Ingredients for Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
- Meat – We mix together ground beef, ground pork and bacon.
- Binder – To hold this meatloaf together we use eggs, Italian Panko bread crumbs and milk.
- Seasonings – A perfect blend of seasoned salt, garlic powder and black pepper to make it mouthwatering.
- Yellow onion – You can use frozen diced onions to save on time.
- Cheddar cheese – Grab a loaf and grate it yourself and it will melt better.
Steps to Prepare
- Preheat the smoker to 325 degrees.
- 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, slice and enjoy!
Expert Tips!
- You can make this ahead by prepping the meatloaf up to a day before you smoke it. Simply mix the ingredients together, shape into the meatloaf and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to smoke.
- Sweet fruit woods like apple or cherry are great wood chips for this recipe, but you could also use a competition blend.
- Another option is to freeze the meatloaf before smoking. Make the meatloaf and freeze it raw. Then thaw when you’re ready to cook the loaf.
- If your meatloaf is falling apart there isn’t enough binder i.e. bread crumbs or eggs.
- We recommend using a wireless thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your meatloaf easily.
- Any easy trick is to buy a rack to place the meatloaf on and then you can place that rack right onto the smoker rack. This means you don’t have to transfer your meatloaf onto the smoker rack and there’s less chance of it falling apart. Then just remove the rack and bring inside to slice when it’s done! You can use any pan you have it just has to have holes on the bottom, like a grill pan, so the smoke can circulate all around the meatloaf.
- Exact cook times will vary depending on the thickness of your meatloaf and smokers. Always cook to temperature, not exact time.
- Leftovers will keel in the refrigerator for four to five days. If you think it will be a while before it’s eaten, just wrap it well and tuck it into the freezer. Well wrapped and sealed, it will last up to three months. When you’re ready for a great meatloaf sandwich, you know what to do!
Smoke Ring
As we cut into this fabulous Traeger Meatloaf my husband was telling me all about how it had a “smoke ring”.
I was just like whatever that is, I want a piece of deliciousness!
Apparently, it’s good when it has a smoke ring! It’s considered the “hallmark” of great barbecue and is a region of pink colored meat in the outermost 8-10 millimeters of smoked meats. You can see it in the picture above!
We now you have the BEST Meatloaf recipe you will ever make and the key is making it on your pellet grill to get the flavor.
I mean, it has a “smoke ring” obviously it’s a winner!
What to serve with Smoked Meatloaf
- Cheesy Grilled Garlic Bread
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Best Ever Potato Salad
- Smoked Baked Potatoes
- Smoked Strawberry Crisp
Don’t forget, comment below and let me know how much you love this meal! Post a picture on Instagram and be sure to tag me so I can see it too!
I’m loving all of your delicious foodie photos! You can find me at @gimmesomegrilling or just #gimmesomegrilling – if you hashtag me, I’ll get to see it that way too!
Shop Our Spices
Shop Now!Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @gimmesomegrilling or #gimmesomegrilling so I can see your grilling masterpieces!
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 F. 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 F which should take about 1 ½ hours.
- Remove from smoker, slice and serve immediately.
Tips
- We recommend using a wireless thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your meatloaf easily.
- Any easy trick is to buy a rack to place the meatloaf on and then you can place that rack right onto the smoker rack. This means you don't have to transfer your meatloaf onto the smoker rack and there's less chance of it falling apart. Then just remove the rack and bring inside to slice when it's done! You can use any pan you have it just has to have holes on the bottom, like a grill pan, so the smoke can circulate all around the meatloaf.
- Exact cook times will vary depending on the thickness of your meatloaf and smokers. Always cook to temperature, not exact time.
Nutrition Information
Don says
Excellent
Courtney says
So great to hear you enjoyed it!
Beth L Buysse says
what if my electric smoker doesn’t go as high as 350?
Courtney says
What temp does it go to?
Ken says
This was a Amazing Recipe simple and it works! This is going to become a staple in the house especially when I’d better than my mom’s recipe 🤣🤣
Courtney says
It always hard to be “mom’s recipe” but we are so glad you enjoyed it!!
Jounayet Rahman says
This was fantastic!!
Randy says
The Best Meatloaf ever ! Have made it about 4 or 5 times. Once I make it, it goes in about 2 days in a house of 3. Going to make two next time.
Courtney says
So great to hear this is a favorite in your household! It makes awesome leftovers too!
Steve says
I like to crush up Ritz crackers instead of Panko crumbs. It adds a little buttery flavor.
Courtney says
Yum! What a great substitution. Thanks for commenting and rating this recipe!
Mark says
amazing ! great flavor, however wife thought it was a little too salty. I didn’t think so at all. Will definitely make again.
Gretchen says
So good, the bacon kept it moist. I did use three pounds of ground meat because I have a large family so that did raise the smoke time by about an hour.
the Evinks says
Great to hear Gretchen! Thanks so much for commenting and rating this recipe!
Brad says
I followed the recipe proportions exactly, however, I made the following 3 substitutions:
1. 1 lb of dry aged 45 day prime rib, ground up: (instead of the ground beef).
2. 1 lb lean ground beef instead of the pork.
3. 2 year old aged cheddar.
The recipe was to die for. I would suggest that you could slice it and serve it as a hamburger. It would be the best burger that you have ever had. Also, super as meatloaf; really no need for ketchup. I cooked it with 2 meat thermometers. 1 end was 172F, the other was 162F. Both ends were excellent.
This piece of meat needs no extra fat when using ground up 45 day aged prime rib + lean ground + bacon + 2 year old cheddar.
the Evinks says
Sounds like amazing ways to change this recipe up. My mouth is watering!!
Don Sturtz says
This is the best meatloaf recipe I ever tried. Have made it many times, even the kids ask for it.
the Evinks says
Wonderful to hear Don! Thanks for rating and commenting on this recipe!
Sheila says
Milk? I’m about to make this recipe and it shows the milk ingredient crossed off? Wasn’t sure why? I’m using the milk so hope it turns out ok lol! I’ll let you know! It looks delicious!
the Evinks says
I’m guessing the square box got checked next to it in the recipe card accidentally which crosses it out. It’s meant to be used as a shopping list.
Emily says
So excited to try this? Milk or no milk? Just want to clarify. Thanks!
the Evinks says
Use milk!
Jenn says
We started making this meatloaf last year and it’s a family favorite for sure!
the Evinks says
That’s awesome to hear Jenn!! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Virtuelle says
By far the best meatloaf!
the Evinks says
Wonderful to hear!! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Ctymse says
Very tasty! We will definitely make this again!
the Evinks says
Wonderful to hear!! Thanks so much for commenting and rating the recipe!
Laurie Yammine says
This was awesome. My smoker only goes to 275 so I just cooked it a bit longer. Doubled the recipe and made two loaves and also cooked it in a 9×13 pan for easy cleanup.
the Evinks says
Great idea for easy clean up! So glad you enjoyed these Laurie. Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!