Fitness / September 24, 2024

Smoked Meatloaf

So irresistible—you’ll be lucky if you have leftovers!

Table of Contents

While classic meatloaf is always delicious, this recipe takes it to the next level. It’s tender, rich, smoky, and bursting with restaurant-quality flavor—a combination you’ll miss in other versions. Meanwhile, using both ground beef and pork adds heartiness and extra flavor to the dish.

For the whole family, this is the ultimate comfort food. And the best part? Once you’ve prepped the ingredients and shaped the loaf, you can sit back and relax while the smoker does the work. This slow method of cooking not only intensifies the flavors, but it also leaves you more time to enjoy with loved ones. The results will also be well worth the wait.

Is Smoked Meatloaf Healthy?

This dish is very rich, but in the proper portions, it makes a hearty meal that will leave you full and satisfied for hours. The beef and pork add protein but also fat, so bear that in mind and, ideally, balance out the meal with lighter side dishes.

Some might approach this recipe with caution because of the use of a smoker. Studies have shown that charring or smoking meat can lead to the formation of carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals). Fruitwood is considered a better option because it produces a milder smoke. Likewise, if your smoker uses charcoal, choose charcoal without added chemicals to prevent the formation of toxins.

As always, moderation is key, and so while it’s not a good idea to eat smoked meat every day, once in a while for special occasions is acceptable.

What is a Smoker?

While smoking meat can be traced back to prehistoric times, the first commercial smokers were invented in the mid-20th century. Since then, they’ve continued to develop, and today we have various kinds of smokers: wood pellet, gas, electric, and charcoal. Regardless of which type of smoker you choose, it provides a convenient cooking method that can add a lot of flavor.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 cup onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Mix ingredients and shape into a loaf.

Smoke

Cook in the smoker, brushing with sauce.

Serve

Rest, slice, and enjoy.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Good news! You can prepare the meatloaf up to a day before smoking it, and it’s quite simple. Just form the loaf, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Once cooked in the smoker, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 20-30 minutes, or until cooked all the way through.

The Best Wood

As I said before, choosing the best wood to fuel your smoker can lead to a milder smoke. Some specific fruitwoods you could use are apple, peach, cherry, and pear. Fruitwood offers a sweet flavor and aroma during and after the cooking process.

Milk, not Water

Milk adds two kinds of moisture to the loaf that create its delectable texture: water and fat. Since water on its own lacks that creaminess, the end result will also lack texture and juiciness. There’s also a long-held theory that milk tenderizes the meat naturally, which could be another contributing factor.

Serving Suggestions

Taking the classic route? Pair this meatloaf with Smashed Potatoes and Green Beans. This combo has become a traditional American delicacy, and will be nourishing for the whole family.

For a more unique option, consider adding a side of Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad with Zucchini Noodles, giving your meal a burst of fresh greens to go with this hearty loaf.

Smoked Meatloaf

So irresistible! You’ll be lucky if you have leftovers

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 20

Servings servings

Calories 436kcal

Author Amelia Mapstone

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 cup onion finely diced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 large eggs beaten
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat your smoker to 250°F.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on a wire rack.
In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. Brush the meatloaf with the sauce.
Place the meatloaf in the smoker and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with additional BBQ sauce every 30-40 minutes.
Remove the meatloaf from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.