Smoked Meatloaf
107 Comments
Posted: 04/11/23
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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!
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
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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
- 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, 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!
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
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??
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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
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!
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.
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%)
Nick says
I tried it as is, I only adjusted my temp and time. It rolled about 275 for 2 hours. Beautiful mahogany color, beautiful smoke ring. Fantastic recipe. I added bell peppers the second time and some killer hogs. Still this is a fantastic base for a loaf. Next we try some elk meat and see what happens
the Evinks says
Great ways to change up this recipe. They sound delicious! We are so glad you are enjoying this recipe. Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Jud Barish says
This was not to my taste. I found it short on flavor and the texture of the loaf was too dense. Maybe even too much cheese. You want a really a fabulous meatloaf recipe, make Dan Marino’s Meatloaf. I have been making it for over two decades. It beats them all. I make it in my smoker in a disposable aluminum pan. That saves the juice and I don’t have that god awful mess on the grates and in the bottom of my smoker. Use the right wood and there is plenty of smoke flavor even if the loaf isn’t directly on the grill grate. I don’t use pellets either. It’s natural mesquite charcoal and red oak wood for flavor. Try it. You’ll love it.
Megan Mitzel says
I’m sorry this recipe didn’t meet your expectations.
John says
Good recipe! I use ground pork rinds for filler! Otherwise the same. Made 3-4 times. I do add some Worcestershire to it.
Megan Mitzel says
Those sound like some great additions! Glad you enjoy this one, thanks for the review!
Grammasue says
My husband smokes our meatloaf on the Weber using hickory chips. We use ground round, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, egg, bread crumbs (soaked in milk, s&p, garlic & onion powders. He basted it at the end with a mixture of: grape jelly, medium Salsa, & bbq sauce. Whisk in bowl or heat in Mic until fully dissolved. It’s our family’s favorite!
Megan Mitzel says
Sounds great! I’m glad you enjoy it!
Cathi says
This is our second time making this meatloaf…. absolutely LOVE it. We are trying to eat healthier, so I made a few modifications, but it still turned out just yummy! I used 1 pound ground turkey, a half pound of pork sausage and a half pound of ground beef. I also substituted turkey bacon for the regular bacon. Looking forward to tonight’s dinner. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Megan Mitzel says
You’re welcome! I’m glad you can modify it to your liking, thanks for the review!
Amy Blair says
Cooking this right now! Can’t wait. Have you ever put a barbecue glaze on it?
Megan Mitzel says
I haven’t but I’m sure that would be delicious! I hope you enjoy it!
Deborah says
Tried this recipe tonight and got the most compliments ever on dinner! So good! Thank you for sharing!
Megan Mitzel says
Awesome! So glad it was a hit!
Ashley says
If I substitute the ground pork for more ground beef will all ingredients amount stay the same? Cooking time also?
Megan Mitzel says
I haven’t tried this but I would think keeping everything the same should work out just fine!
Sarah says
Absolutely amazing!!!! I smoked on our traeger, as directed, and it was perfect!! Definitely will make it again!
Megan Mitzel says
Awesome! So happy you enjoyed it!
Mike says
Made this today on my offset stick burner. Ran at about 300* for almost 2 hours using lump charcoal and hickory. The meatloaf came out absolutely amazing! I’m not a fan of meatloaf, but I’ll eat this recipe anytime.
Megan Mitzel says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!
Jeremy Bates says
The recipe is so fantastic!!!
Side note: I have the Tailgater grill, or perhaps I shaped my loaf thicker than I should have, but on the smoke setting, this was a good 3.5 hours for it to reach 165 deg. Not complaining.. that smoke ring though!!!!
Thanks so much.
Julie Evink says
Hey Jeremy! Glad it turned out, sorry the time was a bit incorrect on it. Thanks for leaving a comment and rating this recipe. Gotta love a good smoke ring!
Amy Peacock says
I followed your meatloaf recipe almost exactly with a few additions: I chopped and added some bell pepper (my garden has been prolific and I had some that needed to be. used!!), we laid some bacon on top of the meatloaf and did a baste with Carolina gold sauce towards the end. We cooked it on our green egg at the temp and time recommended. Best meatloaf ever, thank you so much for the inspiration! Also, we used a combination of hickory and peach chips in case anyone is wondering. :-).
Julie Evink says
Hey Amy! That sounds like great additions to this meatloaf. So glad you could put your own twist on it and enjoy it! Thanks for commenting and rating this recipe!
Healever says
Do you cook directly on the grates or put in a pan like normal meatloaf?
Julie Evink says
We cooked it directly on the grates. You could also put a piece of tinfoil down and put it on that!
Shawna says
I used to hate meatloaf since it was always dry and everything but the kitchen sink went in ours growing up! We just finished supper, and hands down this is the best smoked meatloaf ever! I’m
so glad I found this recipe! Considered your recipes now stalked by me! 😉 Thank you!!!
Julie Evink says
I’m so glad you are now stalking me 😉 Thanks for commenting and rating this!
Ed says
What type of wood do you generally use to smoke a meatloaf?
Julie Evink says
We use the competition blend!
Ed Matthews says
I believe I would add some whole kernel corn (drained) and some finely chopped green bell pepper.
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Julie Evink says
Sounds like great additions! I would love to hear how it turns out if you try that!
Kevin says
Just made this today. Holy cow! I have found my favorite meatloaf! (Sorry honey) Thanks so much for this amazing recipe. Came out perfect on my pellet smoker. I have the Blueberry strudel on right now. I’ll comment on that later.
Julie Evink says
So glad you enjoyed it!! We love it too!
Jennifer Farley says
Wow this added such great flavor to the meatloaf!
Julie Evink says
It does! I’ll never have it another way!
Sarah says
I am all about a smoke ring! Such great flavor in this meatloaf.
Julie Evink says
So am I now that I know what it is! 😉
Kailee says
Did you use regular plain ground pork?
Megan Mitzel says
Yep!
Elizabeth K says
How to smoke in an oven..many ppl do not own a smoker!
Julie Evink says
No they don’t, but people who do need recipes for their smoker. If you did this in the oven I’m guessing 350 degrees for about an hour or internal temp of 165 degrees F.
Steve says
What flavor pellet works best for this?
Julie Evink says
We used a competition style blend!