Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food and my family has always enjoyed it! However, after I started making smoked meatloaf it’s now a family favorite!
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Classic Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic dish that usually consists of ground beef or other ground meats mixed with eggs, bread crumbs, onions, and seasonings, and then baked in a loaf pan or shaped into a loaf and baked. It’s the ultimate comfort food for many families, and we particularly like to make it in the Fall and Winter when a warm, filling meal just sounds good.
However, it’s now become a year-round favorite since we started using our Kamado Joe grill to make this delicious smoked meatloaf! We love serving it with homemade mashed potatoes and corn!
Too busy to make this right now? Pin for later to your favorite Pinterest Board!
Ingredients for Smoked Meatloaf
Meatloaf recipes vary from household to household and everyone has a particular favorite. While you can certainly use your favorite meatloaf recipe and follow the instructions below to smoke your meatloaf, I wanted to provide my recipe as well.
Ground Beef – We purchase all of our ground beef from a local farm, and it’s simply the best! Use 85-90% ground beef for meatloaf.
Ketchup – this adds moisture and flavor to your meatloaf.
Dry Onion Soup Mix – this is my secret ingredient, and it adds so much flavor to the meatloaf!
Breadcrumbs – I like to use Italian breadcrumbs for extra seasoning.
Garlic & Onion Powder – Seasonings! It’s all about the seasoning!
Onion – fresh diced onion for even more flavor!
Eggs – Eggs help bind the meatloaf together, so it doesn’t fall apart.
Parmesan Cheese – this adds another level of flavor!
How to Smoke a Meatloaf
I love my Kamado Joe grill, however, you can use a charcoal grill, gas grill, or pellet grill to make smoked meatloaf. Just be sure to use a smoke box, if you are using a gas grill.
Prepare your grill for indirect cooking and set the temperature to 350°. I rely on the Flameboss to maintain a consistent temperature throughout longer cooking sessions and to monitor the meat’s temperature without the need to continuously open and close the grill.
Line a cookie sheet with heavy-duty tin foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, being careful not to over-mix your meat! Shape your meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the tin foil-lined cookie sheet.
There are two ways to put your meatloaf on the grill. You can transfer the meatloaf on the heavy-duty tin foil to the grates, or you can place the cookie sheet directly on the grill. I have a few older cookie sheets specifically for grilling and smoking, so I typically just add the cookie sheet.
Please note the massive meatloaf in the picture is a 6-pound meatloaf! I was serving 10 people that night! The recipe below is for a 3-pound meatloaf!
This is what my meatloaf looks like just before I’m ready to put it on the grill!
Smoke the meatloaf on the grill at 350° for about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours or until you reach an internal temperature of 165°. How long you smoke meatloaf greatly depends on how big your meatloaf is!
Remove from the grill, cover with tin foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. When slicing, check out the gorgeous smoke ring around the edge of your slices!
Serve with homemade mashed potatoes and corn!
The Best Smoked Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 2 packets dry onion soup mix
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion diced
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Prepare the grill for indirect cook and set the temperature to 350°.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Line a cookie sheet with heavy-duty tin foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Shape the meat mixture into a large loaf and place it on the heavy-duty tin foil.
- Transfer the meatloaf on the tin foil to the grill or you can place the cookie sheet on the grill with the meatloaf.
- Cook for approximately 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°.
- Remove from the grill and cover with tin foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and corn!
Variations
There are several variations you can make to this smoked meatloaf recipe!
Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Meatloaf – Wrap your meatloaf in bacon and create a delicious smoked bacon-wrapped meatloaf! This is similar to how I make my Over the Top Chili.
BBQ Smoked Meatloaf – Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup to add a different flavor.
Smoked Stuffed Meatloaf – Add a layer of cheese in the middle of your meatloaf for extra cheesiness. I would use cheddar myself but use any type of cheese you like!
FAQs
Can I use my own meatloaf recipe?
Of course! You can use this recipe for smoked meatloaf or whatever your favorite meatloaf recipe is!
Can I make smoked meatloaf if I only have a charcoal or gas grill?
Yes, I highly recommend using a smoker box if you are going to use a charcoal, pellet grill, or gas grill.
What kind of wood do you use for smoking meatloaf?
I like to use hickory or mesquite wood for making smoked meatloaf.
Can I freeze smoked meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze smoked meatloaf after it’s been cooked. Allow slices to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 4 months. u003cbru003eAllow the smoked meatloaf to defrost in the fridge overnight and then reheat either in the microwave, air fryer, or my personal favorite, fry the slices in a pan with a bit of butter.
Conclusion
Whether you use the best smoked meatloaf recipe I provided here, or you use your own personal meatloaf recipe, making a smoked meatloaf elevates a classic dish and is sure to impress family and friends!
Looking for additional grilling recipes? Try Over the Top Chili (Smoked Chili) or Coffee Rubbed Tri-tip with Bourbon Mushroom Cream Sauce!
Will have to summon the husband’s help for this but definitely trying it!
Yes, my husband helps me with this one a bit too! He’s in charge of getting the grill going and helping me move the meatloaf to the grill and back! Especially when I’m making an extra large smoked meatloaf!