Smoked Meatloaf with Sweet BBQ Glaze

There’s something magical about the combination of tender Meatloaf infused with smoky flavor and topped with a sweet, sticky BBQ glaze. This smoked meatloaf recipe transforms an everyday comfort food into a backyard barbecue masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. The slow smoking process creates an incredible depth of flavor while keeping the meatloaf incredibly moist and juicy.

Whether you’re new to smoking meats or a seasoned pitmaster, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. Let’s dive into creating the perfect smoked meatloaf with a sweet BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully on top!

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor and moisture)
• 1 pound ground pork (adds juiciness and flavor)
• 1 medium white onion, finely diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic

For the Sweet BBQ Glaze

• ¾ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Equipment You’ll Need

• Smoker (pellet, electric, or charcoal)
• Wood chips or pellets (hickory, apple, or cherry work best)
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan (for the glaze)
• Meat thermometer
• Wire rack or perforated pan
• Basting brush

How to Make Smoked Meatloaf with Sweet BBQ Glaze

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become soft.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the cooled onion and garlic mixture.
4. Add the soaked breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic to the meat mixture.
5. Using clean hands, gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf tough.

Shape the Meatloaf

1. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf form on a wire rack or perforated pan. This allows smoke to circulate around the entire meatloaf.
2. Form the meatloaf into an even thickness throughout to ensure consistent cooking.
3. If you prefer, you can use a loaf pan to shape the meatloaf, then carefully transfer it to the wire rack.

Prepare the Smoker

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
2. Add your choice of wood chips or pellets according to your smoker’s instructions.
3. Fill the water pan if your smoker has one to help maintain moisture during cooking.

Smoke the Meatloaf

1. Place the meatloaf (on the wire rack) in the preheated smoker.
2. Smoke at 250°F for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
3. While the meatloaf is smoking, prepare the sweet BBQ glaze.

Prepare the Sweet BBQ Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, honey, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, granulated garlic, black pepper, and salt.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Apply the Glaze and Finish Smoking

1. When the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), increase the smoker temperature to 300°F (149°C).
2. Brush the meatloaf generously with the sweet BBQ glaze.
3. Continue cooking, applying more glaze every 15 minutes.
4. Cook until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F-165°F (71°C-74°C), approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour more.
5. Apply a final layer of glaze just before removing from the smoker.

Rest and Serve

1. Remove the meatloaf from the smoker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
2. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
3. Slice and serve with additional warmed BBQ glaze on the side if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Smoked Meatloaf

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the texture tender.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked.
• Layer the Glaze: Multiple thin layers of glaze create better flavor than one thick layer.
• Keep the Shape Consistent: An even thickness ensures the meatloaf cooks uniformly.
• Add a Water Pan: This helps maintain moisture in the smoker environment.
• Let It Rest: Don’t skip the resting period, which is crucial for juicy meatloaf.
• Smoke Ring: A pink ring around the edge is normal and desirable—it’s the mark of properly smoked meat.

The pink smoke ring is a sign of properly smoked meatloaf

What to Serve with Smoked Meatloaf

Storage and Leftovers

Nutritional Information

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Printable Recipe Card

Ready to Create Your Smoked Meatloaf Masterpiece?

This smoked meatloaf with sweet BBQ glaze recipe combines the comfort of traditional meatloaf with the incredible flavor that only comes from slow smoking. The caramelized sweet glaze creates the perfect finishing touch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this smoked meatloaf is sure to impress. The smoking process might take a little longer than oven baking, but the results are well worth the wait. Give this recipe a try and discover why smoked meatloaf with sweet BBQ glaze is becoming a backyard barbecue favorite!