Smoked Meatloaf
154 Comments
Posted: 05/21/25
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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
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 smoky 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 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
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%)
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.
Joy says
Have made this smoked meatloaf several times and it’s still a favorite. This time when I pulled it off the Pit Boss, I topped it with Fischer & Wiesers Texas Whiskey Glaze, and wow!! Pushed it over the top!
the Evinks says
Ohhh that glaze sounds epic!!
Britney says
This was delicious. Very unique spin on meatloaf (at least for me.) Every meatloaf I’ve had always has a ketchup/brown sugar glaze on top so I went ahead and made a sauce just in case this one needed something. Nope. Didn’t even touch the sauce it was so good by itself. I followed the directions for the most part. I smoked mine at 350 for just over an hour before it reached temp. My 3 year old had three helpings. I am sharing this with all my meat smoking friends and will definitely be making it again.
Gail says
I don’t have smoker can you use grill or blackstone
Gail says
yes I don’t have smoker can I use gas grill or blackstone grill
Gail says
once again I don’t have smoker can a gas grillnor blackstone grill be used instead of smoker
Sarah Hill says
This recipe is specifically for a smoker but you could possibly make it on the grill!
Shannon says
Gail, I have successfully smoked this recipe on a weber kettle grill using weber’s “snake” or “chain” method. I also subbed the cheddar chese for smoked Gouda. it is delish!
Catherine says
Excellent recipe. Maybe my Traeger runs hot, because 325 is too high. I smoked it at 275 and it was perfect.
Sarah Hill says
I’m glad you were able to adjust and it turned out perfect!
Michelle says
absolutely delicious! Will definitely make again!!
Sarah Hill says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Georgia says
This turned out fantastic. I did substitute the onion with a pouch of onion soup mix. I have never succeeded in making a good meatloaf until trying this!
Sarah Hill says
What a yummy alternative to onions – I’m so glad this turned out well for you!
Laura says
I have never been a meatloaf fan but my husband has recently mentioned wanting it. So I tried this and it was so good! We will be making it again.
Sarah Hill says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
Gail says
Let me start by saying that I have never been a meatloaf fan. This recipe has converted me. At this moment, I am making this for the 3rd time (second time in a week after hubs request). This is seriously the best ground beef recipe ever. I have shared this with friends & family and will never make meatloaf any other way. Delicious.
Sarah Hill says
Thank you! We’re thrilled you loved it!
Terry Phillips says
Great recipe, make it all the time.
Courtney says
Love it! Thank you!
Matt Phillips says
So my smoker only goes to 275, how long should It in there for at that temp
Courtney says
Only 275? We haven’t tested this recipe at any other temp. You will have to adjust Grill time and temp the meat as you go!
Christy says
Mine also only goes to 275. It cooked in 2 hrs, 10 minutes.
Renee M Bailey says
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!
Courtney says
So great to hear you enjoyed this! Thank you for sharing!
Kathy. Gintling says
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.
Courtney says
That is so awesome! So great to hear you loved this recipe!
Gene Schwarz says
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
Courtney says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed this! Definitely levels up the taste of meatloaf.
Richard Papineau says
Easy to make and easy to cook . This is a very delicious recipe and I highly recommend it for everyone.
Courtney says
That is awesome to hear! Thanks Richard!
Denis says
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.
Courtney says
Hope you enjoyed it! Did she end up dipping hers in ketchup? Adding bell peppers sounds good!
Marisa says
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.
Courtney says
Interesting alternatives! Thanks for letting us know you enjoyed this recipe!
Thomas says
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.
Courtney says
Thank you, Thomas!
Summer says
Delicious how much is one serving? Like in ounces?
Dave says
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.
Courtney says
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.
Tony says
Add right over ingredients
Cortney says
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.
Courtney says
Yes, the thermometer is a MUST. So glad you enjoyed this meatloaf. Thank you for rating this recipe!