Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
If you love comfort food with bold, smoky flavor, this smoked meatloaf recipe is a must-try. Juicy ground beef mixed with classic seasonings and slow-smoked to perfection brings a delicious twist to a traditional favorite. The smoke enhances every bite with irresistible depth, making it a backyard barbecue standout. Whether you’re using a pellet smoker, Traeger, or any charcoal smoker, this meatloaf comes out tender, flavorful, and crusted beautifully on the outside. It’s a simple, hearty dish that pairs well with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or even grilled veggies. Ready to upgrade your meatloaf game? This recipe delivers big flavor!
Ingredients Of Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
Why You Will Love This Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
This smoked meatloaf recipe is incredibly flavorful, moist, and smoky with a satisfying crust that traditional oven-baked versions lack. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for feeding a hungry crowd. The smoke infuses the meat with a rich, outdoor-grilled flavor, and the BBQ glaze adds a perfect sweet-savory finish. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned smoker, this recipe is nearly foolproof and makes a lasting impression.
Preparation Process Of Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
Begin by combining all meatloaf ingredients in a bowl. Form into a loaf shape on a foil-lined tray or wire rack. Preheat your smoker to 250°F using your favorite wood chips. Smoke the meatloaf low and slow for 2.5 to 3 hours, brushing with BBQ sauce during the final 30 minutes. Once internal temperature hits 160°F, remove, rest, and slice.
Step By Step Instructions
Prep the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 250°F using hickory, mesquite, or applewood chips.
Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings until just combined.
Shape the Loaf: Form into a firm loaf on a foil-lined tray or wire rack. Do not over-pack.
Start Smoking: Place meatloaf in the smoker and cook for 2.5–3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Add BBQ Glaze: During the last 30 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce and let it caramelize.
Rest & Slice: Remove the meatloaf, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
How to Serve?
- With creamy mashed potatoes
- Alongside mac and cheese
- On toasted buns for sandwiches
- With a side of grilled corn
- Topped with extra BBQ sauce
Tips & Variations
Use a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor.
Add chopped jalapeños or bell peppers for a kick.
Swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Try different wood chips for unique smoke flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
Recipe Card
Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
Course: Banana Bread Recipe, Meatloaf Recipes6-8
servings15
minutes3
hours390
kcalThis smoked meatloaf recipe is a flavorful upgrade from the classic comfort food. Made with seasoned ground beef and slow-cooked in a smoker, it’s moist, tender, and bursting with smoky goodness. Brushed with a tangy BBQ glaze during the final stretch, the meatloaf forms a crusty exterior and juicy center. It’s the perfect dinner for summer grilling or year-round smoking. Whether you’re hosting guests or meal prepping, this meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or mac and cheese. Once you try it smoked, you’ll never go back to oven-baked!
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
½ cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
½ cup BBQ sauce (for glazing)
Directions
- Prep the Smoker:
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F using hickory, mesquite, or applewood chips.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings until just combined.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Form into a firm loaf on a foil-lined tray or wire rack. Do not over-pack.
- Start Smoking:
- Place meatloaf in the smoker and cook for 2.5–3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Add BBQ Glaze:
- During the last 30 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce and let it caramelize.
- Rest & Slice:
- Remove the meatloaf, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the texture tender.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to lock in juices.
- For added smokiness, use a charcoal smoker with wood chunks.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
FAQs
Conclusion
This smoked meatloaf recipe turns a homestyle classic into a smoky masterpiece. Easy to prepare and packed with mouthwatering flavor, it’s perfect for casual dinners or BBQ parties. With a tender interior and glazed crust, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re new to smoking or a backyard pitmaster, this dish is a no-fail way to impress with flavor and simplicity. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!
