Who doesn’t love a two-for-one meal? This smoked meat loaf recipe doesn’t just make a delicious dinner, it also makes a fantastic sandwich the next day. Just set it and forget it in the smoker, and dinner will be ready before you know it.
Ingredients for Smoked Meat Loaf
- Ground beef: We use ground beef in our smoked meat loaf recipe, but you could sub in ground turkey, pork or chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to cook your chosen meat to the appropriate safe food temperature.
- Barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce adds a sweet-tartness that rounds out the savory flavors of this meat loaf.
- Worcestershire sauce: Don’t skip out on this flavor bomb, which is essential for a delicious meat loaf.
- Bread crumbs: Bread crumbs are mixed with the milk and ground meat to keep the meat loaf moist over its long cooking time.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare your smoker
Prepare your smoker for smoking according to the manufacturer’s directions, whether that’s soaking chips or just adding pellets to the bin. Heat your smoker to 225°F.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together eggs, onion, bread crumbs, milk, 1/4 of the cup barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Add the beef, and mix just until all ingredients are incorporated, making sure not to overmix.
In a separate smaller bowl, combine the chili powder, garlic salt, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Shape loaf and smoke
Shape the beef mixture into a 10×4-inch loaf on a greased smoker rack. Rub the chili powder mixture all over the loaf. Place in the smoker. Smoke until a thermometer reads 145°, about one hour. Brush the loaf generously with the remaining 3/4 cup barbecue sauce. Smoke for another 10 to 15 minutes, until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
Recipe Variations
- Add savory mushrooms: Try adding mushrooms like we do in this mushroom meat loaf, filled with chopped up portobello mushrooms.
- Stuff it: Take your loaf to the next level making it a stuffed meat loaf, filled with anything from mozzarella to spinach!
- Just add bacon: Topping meat loaf with bacon is a classic variation. Try it in the smoker for an extra smokey deliciousness.
How to Store Smoked Meat Loaf
Store this meat loaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three or four days. Here’s our full guide on how long leftovers keep.
Smoked Meat Loaf Tips
What do you serve with smoked meat loaf?
Meat loaf is a great main course for any side you’re wanting. Check out our favorite meat loaf sides, including Caesar salad and mac and cheese.
Do you have to use ground beef in this smoked meat loaf recipe?
You can definitely change up the meat. Try a mixture of ground pork and ground beef for a delicious flavor. Or you can use ground turkey or ground chicken for a slightly lighter loaf.
