Grilled & Glazed: The Smoky Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Adore

Comfort food takes on a smoky twist with this incredible smoked meatloaf that promises to elevate your dinner game.

Packed with robust flavors and a rich, savory profile, the meatloaf captures the essence of classic home cooking.

Smoke infuses each tender bite with an irresistible depth that sets this recipe apart from traditional preparations.

The blend of ground meats, seasonings, and carefully selected ingredients creates a memorable main course that satisfies even the most discerning palates.

Cooking low and slow transforms ordinary meatloaf into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance of smokiness and juiciness that makes this dish a standout at any meal.

Prepare to impress your loved ones with this mouthwatering smoked meatloaf that turns an everyday recipe into something truly spectacular.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything You Need For Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base that provides rich, deep flavor and classic meatloaf texture.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and subtle sweetness to enhance overall meat composition.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates structural integrity and helps absorb moisture for tender result.
• Eggs: Natural binder that holds ingredients together and adds richness.
• Milk: Introduces softness and helps prevent dry, compact meatloaf.

• Onion: Brings sweet, aromatic depth and natural complexity to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Delivers bold, punchy undertones that complement smoky profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy, umami-rich complexity with subtle fermented notes.
• Ketchup: Provides sweet-tangy base for initial seasoning and moisture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates and balances overall flavor.

• BBQ Sauce: Creates caramelized, sticky exterior with vibrant smoky-sweet finish.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances glaze's caramelization and adds rich, molasses-like sweetness.

• Wood Chips (Hickory, Cherry, Pecan): Infuse complex, aromatic smoky essence into meat.

Smart Storage For Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover smoked meatloaf in airtight containers, refrigerated up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day meals even more delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Slice meatloaf before freezing, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen meatloaf stays fresh for 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheating Magic: Warm slices in oven at 325F, covered with foil to retain moisture. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying, ensuring tender and juicy results every time.
• Meal Prep Mastermind: Prepare extra meatloaf during weekend cooking. Use leftovers in sandwiches, crumble into pasta sauces, or slice for quick protein-packed lunch bowls. Versatile and convenient!

Must-Have Tools For Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

• Smoker: Essential for infusing rich, smoky flavor into the meatloaf.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ground meats and ingredients thoroughly.
• Wire rack or foil-lined baking sheet: Helps with smoke circulation and easy handling.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature and ensuring safe cooking.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing BBQ glaze ingredients.
• Basting brush: Great for applying glaze evenly during smoking process.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing and serving the meatloaf.
• Sharp knife: Required for clean, precise meatloaf slicing.

Simple Steps For Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

• Fire Up the Smoker

Set your smoker to a cozy 225F and choose wood chips like hickory or cherry to infuse delicious smoky goodness into your meatloaf.

• Create the Meat Magic

Gently mix ground beef and pork with other ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Shape the mixture into a beautiful loaf that’s ready for smoking.

• Start the Smoking Adventure

Place the meatloaf on smoker grates and let it absorb those incredible wood-fired flavors for about 2 hours until it reaches a warm 130-140F internal temperature.

• Glaze and Elevate

Bump up the smoker heat to 275F and lovingly brush on the BBQ glaze. Continue smoking for another 45-60 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160F, adding more glaze during the final 15 minutes.

• Rest and Enjoy

Take the meatloaf off the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice and serve with your favorite sides, transforming an ordinary meal into a smoky sensation.

Tasty Tweaks For Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

• Meat Mixture Magic: Gently mix ingredients to keep the texture light and avoid dense, tough results – use a light touch when combining.
• Glaze Game Changer: Homemade BBQ glaze elevates the meatloaf from good to spectacular – experiment with honey, sriracha, or bourbon for extra depth.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to make this recipe keto-friendly without sacrificing moisture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare multiple meatloaves, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals.

How To Serve Smoked Meatloaf Recipe Comfort Style

• Comfort Plate Pairing: Creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables create the ultimate comfort food combo, perfectly complementing the rich, smoky meatloaf flavors.
• Family-Style Sandwich Twist: Slice the cooled meatloaf thinly and layer between crusty artisan bread with sharp cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, and tangy mustard for a gourmet sandwich experience.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Crumble remaining meatloaf into pasta sauces, breakfast hash, or top salads for quick, delicious meal transformations that stretch your culinary creativity.
• Weekend Gathering Centerpiece: Serve the meatloaf as a hearty main dish during family dinners or game day gatherings, guaranteed to impress guests with its smoky, glazed exterior and juicy interior.

Hearty Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty smoked meatloaf blends classic comfort with smoky Southern barbecue techniques. Robust ground beef, aromatic herbs, and signature wood-fired flavor create a memorable meal you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 0.5 pounds (227 grams) ground pork (for extra moisture) (optional)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• 0.5 cup milk
• 0.5 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsps ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Configure smoker to 225F, selecting hickory, cherry, or pecan wood chips for deep smoky infusion.
2. Mixing: Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl, gently folding ingredients to maintain a light, airy texture without compressing.
3. Shaping: Form mixture into a refined loaf, positioning on a wire rack or aluminum-lined surface to optimize smoke circulation and heat distribution.
4. Initial Smoking: Place meatloaf in smoker, allowing it to absorb wood smoke for approximately two hours until internal temperature reaches 130-140F.
5. Glazing and Temperature Adjustment: Simultaneously prepare BBQ glaze and increase smoker temperature to 275F, brushing half the glaze onto the meatloaf to enhance flavor complexity.
6. Final Smoking: Continue smoking for 45-60 minutes, applying remaining glaze during the last 15 minutes to create a caramelized, glossy exterior, ensuring internal temperature reaches 160F.
7. Resting and Serving: Remove from smoker, let rest 10-15 minutes for juice redistribution, then slice and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or as a sandwich filling.

Notes

• Prevent Tough Texture: Mix meat ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, light meatloaf consistency.
• Optimize Smoke Flavor: Choose wood chips like hickory or cherry for deeper, more nuanced smoky undertones that complement the meat’s richness.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure food safety and prevent overcooking, aiming for 160F without drying out the meatloaf.
• Enhance Glaze Application: Brush glaze gradually during the final cooking stage to create a caramelized, glossy exterior without burning the surface.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg