Smoked Meatloaf

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Smoked meatloaf takes a backyard classic to the next level! Juicy ground beef, Italian sausage, and veggies are slow-smoked to perfection, then topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for family dinners or weekend cookouts.

Meatloaf on the Smoker? Absolutely!

If you’re craving comfort food with a smoky twist, this Smoked Meatloaf is going to hit the spot. Like so many of our main courses, it’s smoked on the grill, which sets it apart from any meatloaf you’ve likely ever tried. We love that smokey flavor. And what’s not to love? It’s loaded with so many delicious ingredients.

Tender ground beef and Italian sausage are mixed with fresh veggies and savory seasonings, then slow-smoked until juicy and flavorful. We’re talking over-the-top juicy. A sweet ketchup and brown sugar glaze caramelizes on top, giving each slice a perfect balance of savory and sweet. And isn’t that what ever great meatloaf should have, that perfect combination?

This recipe is ideal for family dinners, backyard cookouts, or game-day gatherings—it’s comfort food with a pitmaster’s flair. We’re so happy to share this recipe with you.

At a Glance
• Main Ingredients: Ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion & red bell pepper, breadcrumbs, ketchup & brown sugar glaze
• Prep + Cook Time: ~10 minutes prep + ~1 hour 30 minutes smoking + finish + rest
• Flavor Profile: Smoky, savory, slightly sweet glaze, moist and hearty
• Best For: Family dinners, backyard cookouts, game-day mains

Smoked Meatloaf Ingredients

We’ve prepped a recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a glance at what you’ll need. These are easy ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

Meatloaf

• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ tablespoon garlic salt
• ½ tablespoon salt and pepper blend
• ½ tablespoon parsley flakes

Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

How to Make Smoked Meatloaf

This comes together almost as easily as that old-fashioned meatloaf grandma used to make. Here’s how you’re going to do it.

Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to 275°F and allow it to preheat while you prepare the meatloaf.

Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and brown sugar until smooth. Set aside.

Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, bell pepper, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Use your hands to mix until everything is well incorporated, but don’t overmix or the meatloaf may become dense.

Shape the Loaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape using your hands. (Tip: You can use a loaf pan to shape it, then flip it out onto a baking rack for that classic rectangular look.)

Prepare for Smoking: Place the shaped meatloaf on a metal baking rack. This makes it easier to transfer in and out of the smoker. Set the rack directly onto the smoker grates, then close the lid.

Smoke the Meatloaf: Smoke for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Add the Glaze: Open the smoker lid and brush the top of the meatloaf with the prepared glaze. Reserve any extra glaze for dipping later.

Finish Cooking: Close the lid and continue smoking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Rest the Meatloaf: Carefully remove from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. The meatloaf will continue to cook slightly during this resting period, locking in juices.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice into thick portions and serve with your favorite sides.

Storage Tips

Wondering how to store this delicious meatloaf? Here are some options:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
• Reheating Tip: For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, brushing with a little extra glaze if desired.

Things to Love About This Smoked Meatloaf

• Flavorful Blend: The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage makes this loaf tender and juicy.
• Smoky Goodness: Cooking low and slow infuses rich, smoky flavor you just can’t get in the oven.
• Sweet Glaze Finish: The ketchup and brown sugar topping caramelizes perfectly, balancing savory with sweet.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to backyard cookouts, this meatloaf always impresses.

Other Main Dishes from Backyard Texas Grill

If you love this dish we reay think you’ll enjoy:

Smoked Pulled Pork: If you’re looking for a simple and delicious pulled pork recipe, this is it! Tender, juicy and full of smoky flavor… this smoked pulled pork is incredibly tasty, and it’s so easy to make!

Texas-Style Smoked Beef Brisket: If you love smoked beef brisket, but the thought of making one yourself feels daunting, this post is for you. This Texas-Style brisket is juicy, tender and full of flavor. And it’s so easy to make!

Smoked Salmon with Mango Salsa: In this post, we’ll show you how to make a tender and flaky smoked salmon with mango salsa. This delicious fish is full of savory and sweet flavors that you will love! And it’s so simple to make!

Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin: In this post, we’ll show you how to make a tender and juicy pork tenderloin encrusted with the unmatchable flavors of fresh rosemary, sage & thyme. Keep reading for the delicious recipe!

The Perfect Smoked Honey Ham: If you’re looking a the perfect smoked honey ham recipe, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll show you how to perfectly smoke your spiral ham (yes, even if it’s already “pre-smoked”). We’ll also teach you how to take it up a notch with our own homemade brown sugar, honey butter glaze!

That’s it for this post, friends. Thanks for stopping by. Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?

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About the Pit Master

Every great smoked dish starts with a love of fire, flavor, and family. At Backyard Texas Grill, Zach—the pit master—brings his passion for grilling to the table with recipes that are bold, approachable, and packed with southern charm. A consumate griller, Zach believes that good food is best enjoyed outdoors, surrounded by the people you love. His smoked meatloaf is a perfect example: classic comfort food elevated by time, patience, and just the right amount of smoke.