Smoked Meatloaf: The Ultimate BBQ Recipe You Need to Try!
This smoked meatloaf recipe is packed with juicy, smoky flavors and topped with a caramelized BBQ glaze. Cooked low and slow in a smoker, it’s the ultimate comfort food for BBQ lovers. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or weekend grilling!
Ingredients
- lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
- 1 cup breadcrumbs crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper feel free to mix and match colors
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk almond or soy milk for non-dairy
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for added flavor
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoker: Get your smoker ready by heating it up to 250°F (121°C). If you’re using wood chips, hickory or cherry wood works beautifully with meatloaf.
- Mix Your Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, eggs, milk, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to a piece of parchment paper and shape it into a loaf. You can also place it on a smoker-safe pan if you prefer.
- Smoking Time: Place the meatloaf in the smoker. Smoke it for about 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Glaze it Up: During the last 30 minutes, brush additional barbecue sauce on top for a sticky, tasty glaze!
- Rest Before Serving: Once it’s done, remove the meatloaf from the smoker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help keep those delightful juices locked in.
Notes
Expert Tips for Best Smoked Meatloaf:
- For extra juiciness: Don’t overmix the meat—mix until just combined.
- Best wood for smoking: Use hickory for a bold flavor or cherry wood for a sweeter touch.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temp of 160°F.
- Serving ideas: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or homemade cornbread.
Nutrition Facts (Per serving, approximate values)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g