Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

8 servings
This easy Smoked Meatloaf recipe is packed with smoky flavor, tender ground meat, and a tangy BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully on top of the meatloaf. Cooked low and slow on a pellet smoker, electric smoker, or propane smoker, this ultimate comfort food turns a traditional meatloaf recipe into the most flavorful meatloaf with a perfect smoke ring in every bite.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • onion

    chopped

    1 medium
  • lean ground beef)

    (we like 85/15

    2 lb
  • italian style panko bread crumbs
    ¾ c
  • coarse kosher salt
    1 ½ tsp
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    1 tsp
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • eggs

    beaten

    2 large
  • milk
    ¼ c
  • bbq sauce

    + 2 tablespoons, divided

    ½ c
  • your favorite bbq rub
    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and saute for about 5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

  2. 2

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, eggs, milk, 2 Tablespoons of the bbq sauce, and the sauteed onions. Use clean hands or a large spoon to squish everything together until combined.

  3. 3

    Dump the meatloaf mixture onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and shape into a large meatloaf. Season all over with your favorite bbq rub or all-purpose beef rub.

  4. 4

    Carefully transfer the meatloaf to a wire rack and place on the preheated smoker.

  5. 5

    Smoke for 3-4 hours until a meat thermometer reads between 160°F and 165°F. Brush with the remaining 1/2 cup bbq sauce about halfway through the smoke at around 1 1/2 to 2 hours so it can caramelize on top.

  6. 6

    Remove the meatloaf from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

190 min8 servings402 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking to elevate your comfort food game? This Smoked Meatloaf recipe takes a beloved classic and infuses it with incredible smoky flavor, resulting in a tender, juicy loaf topped with a perfectly caramelized BBQ glaze.

The magic of this recipe lies in the low and slow cooking process on your pellet, electric, or propane smoker. This technique not only delivers a tender ground meat texture but also ensures a beautiful smoke ring in every single bite, setting it apart from any oven-baked version. The tangy BBQ glaze isn't just for flavor; it caramelizes to a perfect finish, adding another layer of deliciousness.

Prepare for a symphony of flavors that perfectly balances savory, smoky, and sweet tang. Each slice of this Smoked Meatloaf will be incredibly tender, maintaining its moisture thanks to the carefully selected lean ground beef (we like 85/15) and binders. You'll experience the rich depth from smoked paprika and garlic powder, complemented by the brightness of the BBQ sauce. This ultimate comfort food transforms traditional meatloaf into a truly special meal perfect for any dinner occasion.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe shines as written, you can easily adapt it to your taste. Experiment with different types of your favorite BBQ rub to infuse varied spice notes into the meatloaf mixture. The BBQ sauce can also be swapped for your preferred brand or style, whether you lean towards a spicier or sweeter glaze, ensuring the tangy finish is exactly to your liking. The recipe specifies Italian style panko bread crumbs, which contribute to texture, but plain panko could be used if preferred, though the Italian blend adds extra flavor.

This Smoked Meatloaf is the quintessential hearty dinner, perfect for feeding a crowd or providing delicious leftovers. Serve it as the star of your meal alongside classic comfort food sides for a truly satisfying experience.

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