Cheesy BBQ Smoked Meatloaf

This smoked meatloaf takes classic comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine a tender blend of ground beef and pork, smoky bacon, and melty cheddar cheese, all infused with layers of rich BBQ flavor and a caramelized glaze. Cooked on a smoker, it develops that signature smoke ring and irresistible aroma that screams backyard barbecue perfection.

Perfect for family dinners, backyard gatherings, or Sunday meal prep, this meatloaf is easy to make but impressive in presentation and taste. The sweet-smoky glaze paired with creamy cheese and crispy bacon will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with smoked veggies or a loaded baked potato for the ultimate meal straight from your smoker.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 lb ground pork

• 8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped

• 2 eggs, whisked

• ½ cup Italian Panko bread crumbs

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 tsp seasoned salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 1½ Tbsp honey

• 1½ Tbsp brown sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 325°F (163°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped bacon, eggs, bread crumbs, milk, seasoned salt, garlic powder, chopped onion, pepper, and shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly.

3. Shape the mixture into a loaf.

4. Place the loaf directly on the smoker grates. Smoke until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 1½ hours).

5. While smoking, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and brown sugar in a bowl.

6. With 30 minutes left in cooking time, brush the meatloaf generously with the BBQ sauce mixture.

7. Once fully cooked, remove from the smoker and brush again with BBQ sauce before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 90 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 780 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why Cheesy BBQ Smoked Meatloaf Is the Ultimate Comfort Food with a Smoky Twist

Few dishes can rival the classic meatloaf when it comes to comfort food. But take that beloved dinner staple, infuse it with layers of smoke, stuff it with melted cheddar, wrap it in bacon, and finish it off with a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze and you’ve elevated an old-school favorite into something unforgettable. Enter: Cheesy BBQ Smoked Meatloaf a dish that blends nostalgic family dinners with bold, modern barbecue flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal, an impressive dish for weekend guests, or a fun way to experiment with your pellet smoker, this smoked meatloaf is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Let’s dive into the story, appeal, and versatility of this delicious recipe that has earned its spot on the grill and on the table.

A Classic Dish Reinvented on the Smoker

Meatloaf has long held a place in kitchens around the world. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, but it became especially popular in the U.S. during the Great Depression, when creative cooks stretched ground meat with pantry staples. Traditionally baked in a loaf pan, meatloaf is a simple, budget-friendly meal but admittedly, one that can be hit or miss depending on how it’s prepared.

The idea behind the smoked meatloaf is to break away from the sometimes bland and dry stereotype that haunts the dish. Smoking the meatloaf low and slow not only locks in moisture but also imbues it with that rich, unmistakable wood-fired flavor. When you layer in crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a sticky BBQ glaze, it transforms the humble loaf into a barbecue masterpiece.

The Flavor Profile: Bold, Smoky, and Rich

What sets this cheesy BBQ smoked meatloaf apart is the depth of flavor achieved through three main elements: the meat blend, the smoke, and the glaze.

1. The Meat Blend

Using a combination of ground beef and ground pork gives the loaf a balanced fat content, which is crucial for maintaining juiciness during smoking. Ground pork adds a slightly sweet, savory profile that complements the beef perfectly. Add in crumbled bacon, and you get a trio of meats working in harmony to build an umami-rich base.

2. The Cheddar Core

Stuffing the meatloaf with shredded cheddar cheese adds both flavor and texture. As the loaf cooks, the cheese melts into the center, creating gooey pockets of creamy goodness. It not only tastes incredible but also adds visual appeal when sliced.

3. The BBQ Glaze

Instead of the traditional ketchup topping, this recipe opts for a BBQ glaze enhanced with honey and brown sugar. This glaze caramelizes beautifully in the smoker, forming a glossy, sticky crust with the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy.

The Magic of Smoking Meatloaf

Smoking meatloaf on a pellet grill or electric smoker brings a dynamic flavor you simply can’t achieve in a conventional oven. The gentle, consistent heat of the smoker ensures that the meat stays tender and juicy while absorbing the aromatic essence of the wood.

Fruit woods like apple or cherry are ideal for this recipe, providing a subtly sweet smoke that pairs perfectly with pork and BBQ sauces. Alternatively, a competition blend or hickory can be used for a stronger smoke profile.

Another benefit of smoking is the smoke ring a pink halo that forms around the meat just beneath the surface. It’s a visual cue of proper smoking technique and a badge of honor for BBQ enthusiasts. When you slice into this meatloaf and see that ring surrounding molten cheese, you know you’re in for something special.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mixing the ingredients until just combined prevents the meatloaf from becoming dense or rubbery.

• Use a Thermometer: Smoke until the internal temperature hits 165°F for food safety and optimal texture. A digital probe thermometer takes out the guesswork.

• Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after smoking. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to settle, giving you cleaner slices.

• Use a Wire Rack or Grill Pan: Place the meatloaf on a rack to allow the smoke to circulate underneath, avoiding sogginess and encouraging even cooking.

• Double the Sauce: Consider making extra BBQ glaze for serving many will want more than just a brush-on topping.

Serving Suggestions

A meatloaf this decadent deserves equally delicious sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Smoked Baked Potatoes: Let them cook alongside the meatloaf on your smoker for easy prep.

• Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus bring freshness to balance the richness.

• Mac and Cheese: Lean into the comfort-food theme with a creamy, cheesy pasta side.

• Cornbread or Dinner Rolls: Mop up any extra BBQ glaze or meatloaf juices with a buttery bread option.

Leftover Ideas Worth Getting Excited About

Smoked meatloaf holds up exceptionally well in the fridge or freezer, making it a fantastic meal-prep option. And the leftovers? They’re almost better than the original.

• Meatloaf Sandwiches: Layer slices onto crusty bread with mayo, pickles, and maybe a slice of cheddar for a next-level lunch.

• Meatloaf-Stuffed Shells: Chop the leftovers and mix with ricotta, stuff into pasta shells, and top with marinara.

• Meatloaf Hash: Dice and sauté with potatoes, onions, and eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Dietary Adaptations

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is highly adaptable:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Panko or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of breadcrumbs.

• Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the breadcrumbs entirely or use crushed pork rinds for binding. Choose a low-sugar BBQ sauce.

• Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture. Use a spicy BBQ glaze.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish works because it combines familiarity with excitement. Everyone has tried meatloaf, but few have experienced it this way: infused with real wood smoke, loaded with cheese, and kissed with a glossy BBQ finish. It’s rustic yet elevated, nostalgic yet fresh.

Moreover, it’s a forgiving recipe. You don’t need fancy equipment beyond a smoker and a thermometer. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward enough for a beginner yet satisfying enough for a seasoned grill enthusiast.

Conclusion:

The Cheesy BBQ Smoked Meatloaf is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of comfort food reimagined. It’s about taking something simple and making it exceptional with the right techniques, a bit of smoke, and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re new to smoking or a backyard pitmaster, this meatloaf deserves a spot in your rotation.

It’s the kind of dish that turns skeptics into believers and makes even picky eaters ask for seconds. From its juicy texture and smoky aroma to the melty cheddar surprise at the center, this meatloaf is proof that sometimes the best meals are the ones that surprise you the most.