Smoked meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food with a BBQ twist. Unlike traditional meatloaf, this version is slow-smoked to perfection, giving it a deep, smoky flavor with a beautifully caramelized crust. Whether you’re using a Traeger, Pit Boss, or charcoal grill, this recipe will be your new go-to for spring cookouts.
Let’s dive into this guide to smoking meat and learn how to make the best meatloaf packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Smoker Meatloaf Recipe
- Full of flavor: The smoky flavor from hickory or mesquite wood chips takes this meatloaf to the next level.
- Juicy & Moist: The low-and-slow smoking method helps keep it moist while creating a crispy outer crust.
- Easy to Make: Prep time is minimal, and the smoker does most of the work!
Ingredients for Smoked Meatloaf
To make this delicious recipe, you’ll need:
For the Meatloaf Mixture
✔ 2 lbs ground beef (or ground chuck for extra juiciness)
✔ 1 cup bread crumbs (or panko)
✔ 1/2 cup ketchup
✔ 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
✔ 1 tbsp garlic powder
✔ 1 tbsp onion powder
✔ 1 tsp salt
✔ 1 tsp black pepper
✔ 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
✔ 1/4 cup milk (helps bind the ingredients together better)
✔ 2 eggs
For the Glaze
✔ 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
✔ 1/4 cup ketchup
✔ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
✔ 1 tbsp brown sugar
For Smoking
✔ Hickory or mesquite wood chips
✔ Smoker set to 225°F
Epic Smoked Meatloaf Recipe – A BBQ Classic
This smoked meatloaf recipe is packed with rich smoky flavor, juicy ground beef, and a perfectly caramelized BBQ glaze. Slow-cooked on a smoker at 225°F, this meatloaf stays moist and full of flavor. Perfect for any BBQ lover!
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground chuck for extra juiciness)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
Glaze
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
For Smoking
- Hickory or mesquite wood chips
- Smoker set to 225°F
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 225°F. Add hickory or mesquite wood chips for a deep smoke flavor.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, mix the ingredients for the meatloaf mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the loaf tough.
3️⃣ Shape the loaf and place it on a wire rack or loaf pan lined with aluminum foil. This helps the smoke circulate all around the meatloaf.
4️⃣ Smoke the meatloaf at 225 degrees F for about 2.5-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
5️⃣ Slather the meatloaf with the barbecue sauce glaze during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
6️⃣ Once the meatloaf gets to 160 degrees, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7️⃣ Slice and serve with classic BBQ sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or grilled corn. Enjoy!
Notes
✔ Use a thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F before serving.
✔ Do not overmix the meat! This keeps the crumbly texture just right.
✔ Wrap in aluminum foil if reheating to helps keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Category: Main Course, BBQ
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 35g
Step-by-Step: How to Make Smoked Meatloaf
1. Preheat the Smoker
- Set your smoker or pellet grill to 225 degrees F.
- Add hickory or mesquite wood chips for that classic smoke flavor.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix the ingredients for the meatloaf mixture until just combined. Overmixing can make the loaf tough, so be gentle!
3. Shape the Loaf
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a wire rack or loaf pan.
- If using a loaf pan, line it with aluminum foil to allow airflow and let the smoke circulate all around the meatloaf.
4. Smoke the Meatloaf
- Place the meatloaf directly on the grill grate.
- Smoke at 225 degrees F for about 2.5-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
5. Add the Glaze
- Slather the meatloaf with the barbecue sauce glaze during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
- This creates a sticky, smoky crust that’s irresistible!
6. Rest, Slice, and Serve
- Once the meatloaf gets to 160 degrees, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Slicing and serving is easier when the juices have redistributed, keeping the crumbly texture just right.
What to Serve with Smoked Meatloaf
Pair this epic smoked meatloaf with classic BBQ sides:
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Grilled corn or asparagus
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Smoked meats like pulled Beef
Feeling creative? Make a smoked meatloaf sandwich with toasted buns, melted cheese, and extra BBQ sauce!
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FAQs About Smoked Meatloaf
Is smoked meatloaf good?
Absolutely! The smoke flavor enhances the richness of the meat, making it even better than traditional meatloaf.
What does meatloaf taste like?
A perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors from the glaze.
Is smoked meatloaf pink?
Yes! The smoke ring causes a pinkish hue inside, even when fully cooked.
Is meatloaf just hamburger meat?
No, it’s a meat mixture that includes bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings for added flavor.
What not to put in meatloaf?
Avoid overmixing and using too many breadcrumb fillers, which can make it dry.
What is the English equivalent of meatloaf?
In the UK, a similar dish is pâté or faggots, though neither has the same smoky BBQ profile.
Why do Americans eat meatloaf?
It’s a comfort food that’s easy, affordable, and full of flavor.
Does smoking meat actually cook it?
Yes! The low and slow method cooks the meat safely while infusing smoke flavor.
What to serve with smoked meatloaf?
Try mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, and BBQ sauce for a complete meal.
Related Searches & Techniques
Interested in other smoked meatloaf recipes? Check out these variations:
🔥 Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf – Spicy and bold flavors.
🔥 Smoked Meatloaf Meathead – A BBQ classic with a killer rub.
🔥 Smoked Meatloaf Recipe Pit Boss – Perfect for pellet grills.
🔥 Smoked Meatloaf Traeger – Easy setup on a Traeger pellet grill.
🔥 Smoked Meatloaf Oklahoma Joe’s – Classic BBQ style.
🔥 Smoked Meatloaf Kamado Joe – Unique flavors from ceramic smokers.
🔥 Smoked Meatloaf on Charcoal Grill – An old-school method.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Smoked Meatloaf
- Freeze meatloaf by wrapping slices in aluminum foil and storing in a freezer bag.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in an oven at 350°F or on the grill to maintain the smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts: The Best Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
This smoked meatloaf recipe is a must-try for any BBQ lover. Whether you’re using a Traeger, charcoal grill, or pellet grill, this method creates a great meatloaf every time.
So fire up your smoker, get ready to turn the loaf, and enjoy delicious smoked meatloaf that’s full of flavor.
Looking for more delicious comfort food recipes? Whether you’re planning the perfect BBQ feast or just want to explore more mouthwatering dishes, we’ve got you covered. Check out these related recipes from our blog:
- Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe – The ultimate creamy, cheesy side dish to pair with smoked meatloaf.
- Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole – A hearty twist on classic meatloaf with cheesy, crispy potatoes.
- Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe – A flavorful dish packed with creamy pesto goodness.
- Bisquick Dumpling Recipe – Soft, fluffy dumplings that pair well with rich, smoky flavors.
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe – A crispy, golden alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – A comforting pasta dish with bold, cheesy flavors.
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