Introduction: Reinventing a Classic Comfort Food
Smoking transforms the humble meatloaf from a simple family dinner staple into a culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This isn’t just another meatloaf recipe—it’s a journey of flavor, technique, and comfort that elevates a classic dish to new heights.
Ingredients
Metric (US) Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ground beef (80/20 fat content)
- 120g (1 cup) breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 120ml (1/2 cup) milk
- 60ml (1/4 cup) ketchup
- 30ml (2 tbsp) Worcestershire sauce
- 15g (1 tbsp) garlic powder
- 15g (1 tbsp) onion powder
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 5g (1 tsp) black pepper
Glaze Ingredients:
- 120ml (1/2 cup) BBQ sauce
- 60ml (1/4 cup) ketchup
- 30ml (2 tbsp) brown sugar
Step-by-Step Smoking Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and all dry seasonings. Mix gently but thoroughly, avoiding overworking the meat.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a compact loaf on a piece of butcher paper or aluminum foil. Ensure the loaf is evenly shaped for consistent smoking.
- Prepare the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Choose wood chips like hickory or apple wood for additional flavor complexity.
- Initial Smoking: Place the meatloaf in the smoker and cook for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Apply the Glaze: Mix BBQ sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. Brush the glaze over the meatloaf during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
- Final Temperature Check: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from smoker, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Smoke Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 6-8 people
- Difficulty: Medium
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 30g
Why This Smoked Meatloaf is a Culinary Triumph
This isn’t just a meal—it’s a flavor experience. The smoking process does more than cook the meat; it infuses every bite with a deep, complex flavor profile that traditional oven-baked meatloaf simply cannot achieve. The slow smoking ensures the meat remains incredibly juicy, while the wood chips add a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish.
Dietary Variations
Healthy Alternatives:
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Create a vegetarian version using lentils and mushrooms
Serving Suggestions
Pair your smoked meatloaf with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- Fresh green salad
- Warm dinner rolls
Pro tip: Leftover smoked meatloaf makes incredible sandwiches the next day!
Prepare to transform your understanding of meatloaf with this smoky, flavor-packed recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.