Smoky Magic: The Ultimate Pellet Smoker – Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

Imagine biting into a slice of meatloaf that’s tender, juicy, and infused with an incredible smoky flavor that takes this classic comfort food to new heights. Growing up, my grandmother’s oven-baked meatloaf was our family’s Sunday tradition, but everything changed when I discovered the magic of smoking it instead. The smoke acts like a secret ingredient, transforming an already beloved dish into something truly extraordinary that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.

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Why This Recipe Works

Meatloaf consistently ranks among America’s most popular comfort foods, bringing back cherished memories of family dinners. While traditional oven-baked meatloaf certainly satisfies, smoking introduces an entirely new dimension of flavor. The slow cooking process in the smoker allows the meat to absorb the aromatic wood flavors while maintaining perfect moisture levels, resulting in a meatloaf that’s incredibly tender and packed with smoky goodness.

Ingredients

• Ground chuck – Provides rich flavor and ideal fat content for juicy meatloaf
• Ground pork – Adds tenderness and prevents the meatloaf from becoming too dense
• Eggs – Act as a binding agent to hold everything together
• Onion – Delivers aromatic flavor and moisture
• Garlic – Provides depth and savory notes
• BBQ sauce – Creates a delicious glaze and adds moisture to the mixture
• Breadcrumbs – Help bind ingredients while absorbing juices
• Salt and pepper – Enhance the natural flavors of the meat

What is the Best BBQ Sauce for Smoked Meatloaf?

You can use your preferred BBQ sauce for this smoked meatloaf recipe. Note it works best with a sweet, tomato-based BBQ sauce rather than one with a mustard or vinegar base.

How to Make Smoked Meatloaf

This best smoked meatloaf recipe is very easy to make. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Heat your smoker to 250°F
2. Add all the ingredients except half of the barbecue sauce to a large bowl.
3. Hand-knead the ingredients until just combined.
4. Mold the mixture into a log/loaf shape.
5. Place it in an aluminum pan in the smoker.
6. After 2 hours, brush the loaf with the remaining BBQ sauce.
7. Remove the smoked meatloaf when the internal temp is at 160°F.

Recipe Notes

You can make this smoked meatloaf pellet grill style on any of the pellet smokers. Or, if you have a Traeger (a popular brand), you can make smoked meatloaf Traeger style. 

Breadcrumbs in a meatloaf recipe serve as a binder, but they can also absorb some of the juices. However, there is another way. Instead of breadcrumbs, use some sliced bread soaked in milk. The enzymes in the milk help to tenderize the beef.

Smoked Meatloaf Temperature – How to Tell When It’s Done

Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the smoked meatloaf. Insert it into the center area of the meat. Once your meatloaf reaches 160°F, it’s ready to be enjoyed by your anticipating family and friends!

What Kind of Pellets to Use

The best choice of wood chips are ones that impart a lot of smoky flavor into the meatloaf quickly. Hickory is a good choice. Maple, oak, mesquite, pecan, or cherry also work well.

Recipe Variations

Want to try some different flavors in your meatloaf? Here are some ideas:

• Add cheese. Cheddar cheese is great and you can give it a kick of cheesy heat with pepper jack cheese. Add 1/2 cup to the meat mixture.
• Add in some bacon, or make a smoked bacon wrapped meatloaf with bacon strips or a bacon weave.
• Use Italian sausage instead of ground pork.
• Add some green chilies or red pepper.
• Don’t care for BBQ sauce? Mix 1 cup of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder and use it instead.

What to Serve With a Pellet Grill Meatloaf

This tender, seasoned meatloaf topped with a sticky glaze can be served with many delicious side dishes.

• Serve it with a tasty potato dish like cheesy twice-baked potatoes or parmesan roasted potatoes. And, don’t forget the coleslaw.
• Meatloaf and buttery mashed potatoes are a classic combo.
• A perfect combination is smoked meatloaf and skillet mac and cheese.
• Pair it with a delicious vegetable side dish like broccoli with cheese or buttery peas and carrots.
• Awesome with an egg on top for breakfast.

The Perfect Meatloaf Sandwich

Leftover slices make great smoked meatloaf sandwiches either used cold or reheated as follows:

1. While the meatloaf is reheating, toast slices of good quality bread.
2. Spread some mayo on the bread.
3. Add slices of meatloaf, some cheese (if desired) lettuce, tomato, and one or two slices of onion.
4. Top with the other piece of bread, and enjoy!

How to Store Leftover Meatloaf

Refrigerating: Place the meatloaf in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. You can also keep it in a loaf pan covered with plastic wrap or foil. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap the meatloaf in plastic cling film, then place it in an airtight storage container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for 3 months. It can be kept frozen longer, but the flavor will begin to deteriorate.

Reheating: Defrost in the fridge the night before. The best way to reheat leftover meatloaf is in the oven at 250°F. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the meatloaf moist and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes, or until heated through.

Popular Smoker Recipes

• Chili’s Baby Back Ribs
• Smoked Chicken Thighs
• Smoked Pork Belly
• Smoked Steak

Would you like to increase your smoking and BBQ skills? There are many books about smoking food available to help you become a smoker pro.

Favorite Meatloaf and Ground Beef Dinner Recipes

• Air Fryer Hamburger Patties
• Brown Sugar Meatloaf
• Cowboy Hamburger Soup
• Ground Beef Tacos
• Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
• Hamburger Steak with Gravy
• Loose Meat Sandwich
• Porcupine Meatballs
• Stuffed Meatloaf

Check out my easy dinner recipes and the best ground beef recipes on CopyKat!