This recipe is similar to my traditional meatloaf recipe, but instead of baking it in the oven, I used the smoker method which gives the loaf a nice bark on the outside and a beautiful smoking ring. I also added a pinch of cayenne and a BBQ glaze to really amp up the smoking vibe. Using a smoker is a great choice for this recipe because it cooks the meat low and slow which results in a tender and juicy meatloaf every time. Plus, smoking a meatloaf couldn’t be any easier! A few minutes of mixing and then the smoker takes over to finish the job. I love using my smoker to cook everything from smoked brisket and smoked beef chuck to smoked whole chicken, smoked queso dip, and even smoked turkey! Recently I’ve made smoked bologna and smoked chicken wings too! The results are always delicious! I’ve even used it to make my Italian sausage and queso dip which was a huge hit! Smoked meatloaf also makes amazing leftovers, and I’ve given you some suggestions for using them up below.
What makes Smoked Meatloaf so good:
What is Meatloaf?
If you haven’t heard of meatloaf, you might be feeling a bit skeptical about trying it, but I’m here to tell you, that it’s super delicious! It’s ground meat that is mixed with other things like eggs, breadcrumbs, onions, and sauces and formed into a loaf shape before being cooked. Usually, it’s served in slices, and you’ll often see it alongside mashed potatoes and gravy. One of the great things about meatloaf is that it can stretch your meat so you can get more servings which makes it perfect for family meals!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you need to make this easy smoked meatloaf recipe: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Ground beef: Regular ground beef that is 80% lean and 15% fat makes the juiciest meatloaf. Bring it to room temperature before you begin. It’s hard to form cold meat and it helps with even cooking.Binders: You don’t want a meatloaf that falls apart in the smoker! Italian breadcrumbs (like regular breadcrumbs but with Italian seasoning), eggs, and milk will help to bind (or stick) the meat together. Panko breadcrumbs are also a great option.Yellow onion: Finely chop or grate the onion to add flavor and juiciness. Yellow onion has a mild flavor, but you could also use white onion if you prefer. Minced garlic: Mince or press your fresh garlic, or to save time, use store-bought minced garlic in jars. Sauces: A bit of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup add moistness and flavor to the meat.Cayenne: This spice will add a bit of smoky heat to the meatloaf. You can play around with the amount that you use depending on your tastes.Salt and pepper: These are classic seasonings that are a must when cooking beef as they really enhance the flavor.Parsley: Adding some chopped parsley to the beef adds some brightness and a fresh herby flavor. Feel free to leave it out if parsley isn’t your thing.Glaze: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to glaze the top of the meatloaf once it comes out of the smoker.
How to Make the Best Smoked Meatloaf
The low and slow cooking method of smoking meat is perfect for meatloaf as it ensures the beef stays nice and juicy. Plus, the smoky flavor takes it to another level! The overall smoking time will be about 2 – 3 hours, so plan ahead when making this amazing recipe.
Make ahead
If you’re pressed for time, you can mix and shape the meatloaf the day before. Store it in the fridge in a loaf pan covered tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container until you’re ready to smoke it!
What is the best wood for smoking?
Always smoke with hardwood and never with softwood as hardwood produces a clean smoke and amazing flavor! For this recipe, mesquite and hickory are good options or sweet fruit woods like cherry and apple are great choices too. You can use chips, chunks, pellets, or whatever works best for your smoker.
Recipe Tips
Shape in a loaf pan. To make shaping the meatloaf easier, press the mixture into a loaf pan and then unmold it onto the wire rack-covered sheet pan.Check internal temperature. To avoid overcooking (and drying out) your smoked meatloaf, it’s important to check the internal temperature so you know when it’s done. A wireless thermometer is great for easily checking the temperature. You can also use a kitchen thermometer.Don’t overmix. Overmixing the meatloaf mixture will result in a dry and dense loaf.
Storing Tips
Refrigerator
Keep your smoked meatloaf in the fridge, tightly wrapped, or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Cooked meatloaf also freezes well which is a great option for meal planning! Wrap the whole cooked loaf or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them into airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for around 3 months. Defrost frozen meatloaf overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat smoked meatloaf easily in the microwave by placing it on a microwave-safe plate and covering it with a damp paper towel to help keep it moist. Heat for 30 seconds at a time until heated all the way through. This usually takes about 1 minute in my microwave. You can also reheat it in your oven at a low temperature (250°F/121°C) for 20 – 25 minutes.
What to Do With Leftover Smoked Meatloaf
You can reheat any leftovers and serve as is the next day or transform them into something new! Here are a few suggestions for how to use up this tasty meatloaf:
Make a sandwich. Toast some of your favorite bread, add some mayo, cheddar cheese, tomato, and warm meatloaf slices.Tacos. Replace regular ground beef with crumbled leftover meatloaf in your favorite taco recipe.Pizza. Crumble leftover loaf on top of homemade pizza.Nachos. Chop up the meatloaf and crumble it over nachos and cheese.Stuffed peppers. Swap out plain ground beef for chopped meatloaf. Add rice, tomato sauce, and cheese and bake until heated through.
What To Serve With Smoked Meatloaf
When I make this meatloaf, I usually serve it alongside mashed potatoes, broccoli, or green beans. You can go this traditional route or serve it with your favorite side dishes. Here are a few more ideas:
Boursin mashed potatoesVegetable potato bakeStovetop Mac and CheeseAir Fryer tater totsBroccoli casseroleRoasted broccoliniInstant Pot red potatoesSauteéd mushrooms and onions
Conclusion example: I hope you and your family enjoy this delicious smoked meatloaf recipe as much as mine does! Save this recipe for the next time you’ve stocked up on ground beef and need some inspiration! Pin it for more people to enjoy too! © Little Sunny Kitchen
