Description
This smoked meatloaf recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful dish with a rich BBQ glaze and a smoky, tender texture. Perfect for BBQ lovers, this easy recipe brings out the best in ground beef with a perfect balance of spices and slow-smoked goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
BBQ Glaze:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Smoking Setup:
- 1 cup hickory or applewood chips
- Water pan (optional for extra moisture)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Gently mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape into a firm loaf and place on a wire rack or perforated pan.
2. Preheat the Smoker
- Set your smoker to 275°F (135°C) and add wood chips for a steady smoke.
- Place a water pan in the smoker to keep the meatloaf moist.
3. Smoke the Meatloaf
- Place the meatloaf in the smoker and cook for 2 to 3 hours.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
4. Apply the BBQ Glaze
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar.
- Brush the glaze over the meatloaf and let it caramelize.
5. Rest & Serve
- Remove the meatloaf from the smoker and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For extra moisture, mix in ½ cup finely chopped sautéed onions and mushrooms.
- If you don’t have a smoker, you can cook the meatloaf in an oven at 350°F for 1 hour, then broil for a caramelized crust.
- Experiment with different woods like pecan or cherry for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of loaf)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg