Best Easy Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

Smoky, juicy smoked meatloaf with a tangy BBQ glaze puts a delicious twist on a high protein family classic. This carnivore-friendly comfort food is even better when cooked on the smoker.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 325 kcal
#high protein #carnivore #comfort food
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef (80/20) 2 lbs
  • Italian breadcrumbs 0.75 cup
  • whole milk 0.25 cup
  • eggs 2 pieces
  • yellow onion, finely chopped 0.5 cup
  • garlic, minced 2 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • BBQ sauce 0.5 cup
  • Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1.25 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • smoked paprika 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 11 g 13%
Protein 25 g 31%
Fat 18 g 56%
Serving size 190g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your smoker to 250°F and set up for indirect heat using your preferred smoking wood, such as hickory or oak.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, gently mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until just combined—do not overmix.

  3. 3

    Shape the meat mixture into a loaf about 2 inches thick and place it on a wire rack or a foil-lined smoker-safe baking sheet for maximum smoke exposure.

  4. 4

    Smoke the meatloaf uncovered for 1 hour, then brush the surface generously with BBQ sauce to create a sticky glaze. Continue smoking for another 45–60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

  5. 5

    Remove the meatloaf from the smoker and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This step keeps the meatloaf juicy and the texture even.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this smoked meatloaf recipe?
The star ingredient is ground beef, preferably 80/20 for a juicy result. The beef, combined with Italian breadcrumbs and eggs, gives the loaf structure, while onions, garlic, and smoked paprika provide savory depth and aromatic flavor.
Q. What is the most important cooking technique for a perfect smoked meatloaf?
Controlling the smoker’s temperature at 250°F and ensuring indirect heat is crucial. This slow smoking process infuses smoky flavor while cooking the meatloaf evenly. Brushing BBQ sauce halfway through adds a tangy glaze that caramelizes without burning.
Q. How do I prevent my smoked meatloaf from drying out or falling apart?
Gently mixing the ingredients so as not to overwork the meat preserves tenderness. The blend of milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs helps retain moisture. Resting the meatloaf after smoking before slicing allows juices to redistribute, preventing dryness or crumbling.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are there per serving?
Each serving contains about 325 kcal and 25 grams of protein. This makes the smoked meatloaf a satisfying high-protein main course, with a protein-to-carb ratio favoring those seeking increased protein intake.
AI 채팅 아이콘