Description
Smoky Meatloaf delivers comfort with a bold twist, blending classic American home cooking and rich barbecue traditions. Hearty ingredients and expert smoking techniques create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork
- 8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 eggs, whisked
Binding and Filling Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) Italian Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Blend ground meat with complementary ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, carefully shaping into a uniform loaf configuration.
- Position meatloaf on a perforated rack or specialized smoking tray to ensure maximum smoke circulation and even cooking.
- Transfer prepared loaf onto smoker platform, maintaining consistent temperature around 225-250 degrees fahrenheit.
- Monitor internal temperature diligently using a wireless digital thermometer, targeting 165 degrees fahrenheit for safe consumption.
- Smoking process typically requires approximately 1.5 hours, though duration varies based on meatloaf thickness and specific smoker characteristics.
- Select wood chips strategically – apple or cherry wood impart delicate, sweet undertones that complement meat flavors beautifully.
- Once temperature target is achieved, carefully remove meatloaf from smoker, allowing brief resting period to stabilize internal moisture.
- Slice meatloaf into uniform portions, serving immediately for optimal taste and texture preservation.
- For advance preparation, assemble meatloaf earlier in day and refrigerate, or freeze raw loaf for future cooking convenience.
- Store leftover smoked meatloaf in sealed container within refrigerator for four to five days, or freeze up to three months for extended enjoyment.
Notes
- Choose woods like apple or cherry for a subtle, sweet smoky flavor that complements the meat without overpowering its natural taste.
- Use a rack with holes to ensure even smoke circulation and prevent the meatloaf from sticking or falling apart during cooking.
- Always monitor internal temperature with a wireless thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfect doneness, aiming for exactly 165°F.
- Prepare the meatloaf ahead of time by refrigerating or freezing, which allows for convenient meal planning and makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 676 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg