• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • Contact
  • My Recipe Box

Gimme Some Grilling ®

Recipes for the Everyday Grill Master

  • All Recipes
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dishes
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dish
    • Desserts
    • Rubs
  • Meat
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pork
  • Shop Our Rubs

Grilling

Smoking

Chicken

Main Dish

Appetizers

Burgers

Visit my other sites:

Julie’s Eats & Treats

Kids Activity Zone

HomeMain Dish

Smoked Meatloaf

4.74 from 46 votes
Jump to Recipe
  • Share
By: the Evinks107 Comments
Posted: 04/11/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Smoked Meatloaf slices on a wooden cutting board
Smoked meatloaf collage. Top whole meatloaf on smoker, bottom meatloaf slices on cutting board.
Traeger meatloaf slices on cutting board
Smoked cheesy meatloaf on smoker
Smoked Meatloaf slices on cutting board
Traeger cheesy meatloaf on smoker rack
Smoked meatloaf collage. Top whole meatloaf on smoker, bottom meatloaf slices on cutting board.

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!

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Loading

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!

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Easy Traeger Smoked Meatloaf on electric smoker

This epic Smoked Meatloaf recipe is going to turn all of your meatloaf haters into fans! Perfect smoked with a smoke ring, bursting with flavor and so juicy!

Contents show
Why You’ll Love this Recipe!
Ingredients for Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
How to Make Smoked Meatloaf
Famous Meatloaf Smoke Ring!
Can I prep it ahead of time?
What Wood Chips Should I use when Smoking Meatloaf?
How Should I store Leftover Meatloaf?
How to Reheat Leftovers
Pro Tips
Serving Suggestions
More Meatloaf Inspired Recipes!
Shop Our Spices
Smoked Meatloaf
Ingredients
Instructions
Tips
Nutrition Information
Did you make this?

That’s right, you’ll all be asking for seconds of this easy smoker recipe when you try it. Your kids are going to even devour it!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe!

  • It’s so easy! That’s right, just prep it, place it on the smoker and let it do it’s magic.
  • It’s better than Grandmas meatloaf! Hear me out, meatloaf gets a bad rap sometimes, but this is juicy, full of flavor and pretty epic. Give it a try!
  • A hit with the family! Perfectly seasoned, it’s got cheese mixed it and it’s so amazing.

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.

How to Make Smoked Meatloaf

  1. Preheat the smoker to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you load the wood chips into the hopper.
  2. Combine all ingredients, do not over-mix or your meatloaf will become tough. Shape into a loaf.
  3. Place on smoker and smoke for about 1 1/2 hours.
  4. Remove from smoker, slice and enjoy!

Famous Meatloaf Smoke Ring!

As we cut into this fabulous Traeger Meatloaf my husband was telling me all about how it had a “smoke ring”.

A smoke ring is 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 below!

Smoked Meatloaf Recipe cut into slices

Can I prep it ahead of time?

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.

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 overnight in the refrigerator.

What Wood Chips Should I use when Smoking Meatloaf?

Sweet fruit woods like apple or cherry are great wood chips for this recipe, but you could also use a competition blend. The fruit flavors pair nicely with the meat.

How Should I store Leftover Meatloaf?

REFRIGERATOR: 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. 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! Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy.

How to Reheat Leftovers

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.

Pro Tips

  • 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.

Serving Suggestions

  • Cheesy Grilled Garlic Bread
  • Grilled Corn Salad
  • Best Ever Potato Salad
  • Smoked Baked Potatoes
  • Smoked Strawberry Crisp
Smoked Meatloaf on smoker

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!

More Meatloaf Inspired Recipes!

  • Mouthwatering Mini Smoked Meatloaf are topped with a delicious sauce and a favorite!
  • More cheese, topped with BBQ sauce, can you go wrong with this Cheesy BBQ Smoked Meatloaf??

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!

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Loading
Traeger Meatloaf Square
4.74 from 46 votes

Smoked Meatloaf

This Traeger Meatloaf is smoked on your electric smoker and full of flavor! It’s takes your favorite traditional meatloaf recipe with cheese and gives it an amazing flavor!
Prep:10 minutes mins
Cook:1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Total:1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
Print Recipe Rate Recipe
Save RecipeSaved!
8

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

Expert 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.
Make Ahead Tips!
Absolutely! You can make it in the morning and just tuck it into the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook in the afternoon. Can you freeze meatloaf before cooking? You can do that too! Make the meatloaf and freeze it raw. Then thaw when you’re ready to cook the loaf.
Why does my meatloaf fall apart?
It will fall apart because there isn’t enough binder i.e. bread crumbs or eggs. Either will result in a loaf that falls apart.
Wood Chips or Pellet Flavors
Sweet fruit woods like apple or cherry are great for this recipe, but you could also use a competition blend.
Leftovers
Meatloaf will keep 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!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 709kcal (35%), Carbohydrates: 13g (4%), Protein: 40g (80%), Fat: 53g (82%), Saturated Fat: 24g (150%), Cholesterol: 199mg (66%), Sodium: 1582mg (69%), Potassium: 497mg (14%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 670IU (13%), Vitamin C: 1.5mg (2%), Calcium: 490mg (49%), Iron: 3mg (17%)
© Gimme Some Grilling ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.

Did you make this?

Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @gimmesomegrilling. I love seeing what you made!

Tag Me On Instagram Rate Recipe
75.2K shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Meet the Evinks

Hi! We are Jason & Julie! We focus on easy, simple recipes that everyone can tackle on their smoker and grills that the entire family will enjoy!

Read more...

You May Also Like...

  • Easy Cheesy Smoked Meatloaf on smoker
    BBQ Smoked Meatloaf
  • Mini Meatloaves on Smoker
    Mini Smoked Meatloaf
  • Smoked salmon on a wood cutting board
    Smoked Salmon
  • Cheesy Potato Casserole in foil pan
    Smoked Potato Casserole

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Renee M Bailey says

    Posted on 11/20/23 at 4:40 pm

    5 stars
    I made this a couple of months ago on the advice of my sister-in-law. Game changer! I’ve made it a few times since and have 1 on the smoker as I write this. This is the only way to have meatloaf! I use a grill mat that has a grid pattern (Amazon). It’s the only way to do this. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      Posted on 11/20/23 at 7:40 pm

      So great to hear you enjoyed this! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  2. Kathy. Gintling says

    Posted on 10/31/23 at 6:28 pm

    5 stars
    I just deleted my comment. I cook better than I type. My brother said they were so good he was considering licking the turner! They might be the best chops I have ever made. Juicy and tender. It is important to let them rest so the juices redistribute into the meat. Excellent, really, EXCELLENT. My only regret is that I only grilled two chops.

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      Posted on 11/3/23 at 5:12 pm

      That is so awesome! So great to hear you loved this recipe!

      Reply
  3. Gene Schwarz says

    Posted on 9/5/23 at 3:25 pm

    5 stars
    Never considered smoking meatloaf before. This may be the best I’ve ever had ! Tripled recipe for 14 people and everyone loved it. Including the skeptics

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      Posted on 9/7/23 at 8:54 am

      Awesome! So glad you enjoyed this! Definitely levels up the taste of meatloaf.

      Reply
  4. Richard Papineau says

    Posted on 8/14/23 at 6:01 pm

    5 stars
    Easy to make and easy to cook . This is a very delicious recipe and I highly recommend it for everyone.

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      Posted on 8/15/23 at 2:40 pm

      That is awesome to hear! Thanks Richard!

      Reply
  5. Denis says

    Posted on 8/12/23 at 6:11 pm

    I am smoking my meat loaf as I leave this comment.
    my wife wants to know why there was no ketchup for flavor. she has never added milk to her meat loaf. I also added a half cupof diced bell pepper only cause I like that flavor.
    will comment again when we taste it. Doing corn on the cob as well.

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      Posted on 8/15/23 at 2:42 pm

      Hope you enjoyed it! Did she end up dipping hers in ketchup? Adding bell peppers sounds good!

      Reply
  6. Marisa says

    Posted on 8/7/23 at 7:03 pm

    5 stars
    This was so good! We have half a beef in the freezer so I only used ground beef, subbed ground pork rinds for panko and used half-n-half vs milk. I also followed the advice of another comment and put a glaze the last 10 minutes made with sugar free ketchup, no carb brown sugar alternative, a little mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Definitely a keeper.

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      Posted on 8/10/23 at 10:13 am

      Interesting alternatives! Thanks for letting us know you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply
  7. Thomas says

    Posted on 7/31/23 at 6:42 pm

    5 stars
    All I added was a Ketchup, BrownSugar, and a few shakes of Worcestershire glaze on top when its got about 10minutes left… Otherwise there is nothing to change. Awesome just the way it is written.

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      Posted on 8/1/23 at 9:02 pm

      Thank you, Thomas!

      Reply
  8. Summer says

    Posted on 7/20/23 at 2:27 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious how much is one serving? Like in ounces?

    Reply
  9. Dave says

    Posted on 6/26/23 at 6:02 pm

    This website is a terrible read on a mobile device. First, I have my phone in dark mode and this is the first site that I’ve encountered where I can read anything. I can only catch shadows of the text. Next are the “add-ins” – newsletter, ads, etc. I can’t even squint to read the recipe for all the other bs in the way. I’m sure it has great content and was looking forward to looking through it more, but it’s just not worth the hassle. Hopefully this is received as constructive feedback. Good luck.

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      Posted on 6/27/23 at 6:19 am

      What kind of cellphone are you using? We have made sure our websites are mobile friendly and have never heard about these issues you are talking about. We are sorry to her about your struggles.

      Reply
      • Tony says

        Posted on 10/15/23 at 8:58 am

        4 stars
        Add right over ingredients

  10. Cortney says

    Posted on 6/13/23 at 5:37 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! Followed the recipe except substituting saltines for bread crumbs and it was perfect. My smoker cooked it a bit faster but using a thermometer helped keep it from being overcooked. Would absolutely make it again.

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      Posted on 6/15/23 at 2:55 pm

      Yes, the thermometer is a MUST. So glad you enjoyed this meatloaf. Thank you for rating this recipe!

      Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi! We are Jason & Julie! We focus on easy, simple recipes that everyone can tackle on their smoker and grills that the entire family will enjoy!

Read More...

Feed a Crowd!

Burnt Ends in foil pan

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

A plate with slices of smoked pork loin in a circle.

Easy Smoked Pork Loin

A whole turkey breast in a foil pan.

Smoked Turkey Breast {Bone-In}

Smoked Pork Butt Pulled on tray

Easy Smoked Pork Butt

5 Secrets to Mastering your Smoker

Close up Traeger Smoker with food

5 Secrets to Mastering your Smoker

Favorites!

Easy Smoked Ribs being brushed with BBQ sauce

Smoked Ribs {3-2-1 Method}

Marinated pork chops on grill pan

The BEST Pork Chop Marinade

Easy Traeger Smoked Meatloaf on electric smoker

Smoked Meatloaf

sausage and egg breakfast casserole in tin pan

Sausage Breakfast Casserole {Grill or Oven}

Our Grilling Secrets

5 Secrets to Mastering your Smoker

As Seen In:

Good housekeeping logo.
Country Living logo.
BuzzFeed logo.
Delish logo.
The Huffington Post logo.
Parade logo.
Back to Top

Privacy Policy

Accessibility

Disclaimers

Contact

© 2023 Gimme Some Grilling ®
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly