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Meatloaf is a classic, but BBQ smoked meatloaf? Now that’s a game-changer! This smoked ground beef recipe is pure magic on a pellet grill or Traeger, delivering that smoky depth you didn’t know meatloaf was missing. And let’s be honest—when it comes to smoked meatloaf, Traeger basically does the heavy lifting to guarantee mouthwatering results. The rich, savory beef paired with a garlicky tomato glaze is so good, it might just ruin all other meatloafs for you. Don’t take my word for it—fire up the smoker and taste the magic for yourself!
This smoked meatloaf is so tasty and so popular you’ll want to make one every week! The list of side dishes that pair well is endless and it’s just so good.
If you are a fan of meaty dishes, try Italian meatloaf, sloppy joes sliders, cheeseburger meatloaf, or any of these ground beef recipes.
Why You’ll Love It
Incredibly flavorful: There’s no way anyone will be disappointed with this Traeger smoked meatloaf. It’s so rich in flavor and then you have the unmistakable smoky element that elevates it way above classic recipes. If you have a smoker or a grill, you absolutely must try this!
Easy to prepare: There’s nothing difficult about Traeger meatloaf. If you’ve made meatloaf in the oven, it’s pretty much the same process, except you’ll end up with a more flavorful dish that boasts an incredible smoky aroma and flavor.
Always popular: Whether you’re making this for the family or you have friends over, nobody is going to be able to resist! In fact, most will want a second helping. This meatloaf is the best bar none, and adding the fantastic smoke from a Traeger grill is just the icing on the cake. Meatloaf heaven, here we are!
BBQ Glazed Smoked Meatloaf Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Ground meat: The star of the dish. I used ground beef and ground sausage in mine.
Egg: To bind the meatloaf together.
Pork rinds: For meaty flavor.
Bacon: Delivers meaty, salty deliciousness!
Vegetables: Onion and green bell pepper add flavor and nutrients.
Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, ground cumin, and paprika add plenty of flavor to the meatloaf. I often use smoked paprika when cooking (especially in peach Bourbon wings!)
Cream cheese and sour cream: Keeps it moist and adds a rich flavor.
Tomato ketchup: Adds sweetness.
How to Make Smoked Meatloaf
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Precook some of the ingredients: While the smoker is preheating, you can cook the bacon then the peppers and some of the onion in the bacon grease. Mix in the cream cheese, sour cream and garlic.
Mix more ingredients: Next you can mix the onion with the meat, eggs, crumbled pork rinds, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Shape and bake: Once everything is combined, shape a loaf and put in a loaf pan, then smoke for 2 hours.
Make the glaze: Mix the onions with the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and cumin. Use half to glaze the meatloaf.
Apply more glaze: Add the remaining glaze and then cook for 20 minutes more.
Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest and then slice, garnish with parsley, and serve warm, perhaps with your favorite BBQ sauce on the side.
Substitutions and Variations
Ground meat: A combination of 2 parts ground beef to 1 part ground sausage seems to work best, although you can use whatever ground meats you prefer. Veal, venison or poultry can also go into meatloaf recipes. It’s completely up to you.
Different spices: You can change up the seasonings if you like, or add a good pinch of red pepper flakes to make it spicy.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizers: Enjoy chicken skewers or one of these summer appetizers.
Side dishes: I love meatloaf comfort food style, which means with mashed potatoes and plenty of them! Some green beans on the side are also nice. Or you could make some veggie kabobs on the pellet grill or Traeger since it’s already hot. You might like extra BBQ sauce on the side or fries with homemade spicy mayo!
How to Store Smoked Meatloaf
Store: Wrap any leftovers in heavy duty foil and keep them refrigerated. The meatloaf will be good for up to 4 days this way.
Freeze: If you want to freeze leftovers, freeze them in portions (so you don’t have to thaw the whole thing at once) and use within 6 months.
Reheat: To warm it back up, put the meatloaf in an oven-safe dish and add a tablespoon of water or beef broth. Cover the dish with foil and then give the meatloaf 20 to 30 minutes in a 250 degrees F oven. Check it’s hot in the center before serving.
Top Tips
Use good quality meat: As it’s the main ingredient, it’s worth choosing your meat carefully for the best taste.
Preheat the smoker: Get it nice and hot before adding the meatloaf.
Let it rest before serving: This keeps the meatloaf extra tender and juicy!
Smoked Meatloaf FAQs
There are two parts to the answer. First, you need to ensure you are using ingredients which help keep the meatloaf juicy. So, in this recipe, you have pork rinds, bacon, egg, vegetables, and other ingredients which have fat and/or liquid to help with this. Second, take care not to overcook it because this will dry it out.
Yes, of course you can. Some of the tastiest meatloaves are cooked in the oven every day. You won’t get the smoke flavor (unless you add a few drops of liquid smoke!) but you can use an oven or a covered grill to make it and get (almost) the same results.
Best Smoked BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
BBQ Smoked Meatloaf with Glaze
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds ground beef
- 1 Pound ground sausage
- 1 egg
- 4 Cups pork rinds
- 8 Slices bacon, thick center-cut
- 1 white onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 4 Cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 Cup sour cream
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon black pepper, coarse
- 1 Teaspoon paprika , smoked or regular
- 1 Cup ketchup, unsweetened
- 1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225 degrees F lid closed for 15 minutes.
- Add pork rinds to a food processor and pulse until they are a fine crumb texture.
- Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet. Once crispy, remove from heat and chop finely. Set aside. Don't discard the bacon grease.
- Lower the heat and Add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until soft and browned. Remove ⅛ cup and set aside for the glaze.
- Stir in minced garlic, cream cheese, and sour cream. Once combined, remove from heat.
- Add onion mix to a large mixing bowl. Combine with beef, sausage, eggs, pork rinds, bacon, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Form into a loaf and place into a loaf pan.
- Put the loaf pan in the smoker and cook for 2 hours.
- When 20 minutes are left, use a food processor to purée the ⅛ cup of caramelized onions (set aside in step 2). Add to a small mixing bowl with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cumin. Whisk to combine.
- Use half the ketchup mixture to glaze the meatloaf.
- Cook for 20 minutes, then carefully remove meatloaf from the loaf pan and place onto a baking sheet. Glaze the top with remaining ketchup and cook for 20 more minutes.
- Remove meatloaf from the smoker and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy
Notes
Preheat the smoker: Get it nice and hot before adding the meatloaf.
Let it rest before serving: This keeps the meatloaf extra tender and juicy!
Nutrition
If you’re wondering whether to make your next meatloaf recipe on the smoker, I’d say go ahead. You won’t regret it. This is the best smoked meatloaf recipe I’ve had, and I’ve tried a fair few! The incredible smoky flavor adds so much appeal to this smoked meatloaf recipe. So if you’re a meatloaf fan looking for a brand new take, try this BBQ smoked meatloaf on your pellet grill or Traeger and see what you’ve been missing.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
This BBQ smoked meatloaf is out of this world! Rich, smoky, and totally delicious.
This recipe was so easy to make and so flavorful! Perfect!
This was such a hit with the whole family. Loved it!
I need to try this! I love meatloaf