Smoked Meatloaf Recipe with Cheese

This smoked meatloaf recipe with cheese is a tender, flavorful meatloaf smoked low and slow with a cheesy center, simple seasonings, and rich barbecue flavor.

This smoked meatloaf recipe with cheese is a hearty dinner with rich smoky flavor from cooking low and slow on a smoker or grill. The meatloaf stays tender and juicy, the cheese melts through the center, and the outside picks up that savory, wood-fired flavor that makes smoked meatloaf feel a little more special than the oven version.

I especially like making this on the weekend when we want something smoked for supper, but not necessarily an expensive cut of meat. It still gives you that summer cookout flavor without needing brisket or prime rib. Serve it with mashed potatoes and a side like my Deviled Egg Pasta Salad or my Cucumber Pasta Salad. If you want something warm on the side, my Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Dinner Rolls are perfect with it too.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Meatloaf Recipe with Cheese

• It has rich smoky flavor. Smoking the meatloaf low and slow gives it that wood fired flavor that makes it feel more like a summer cookout than regular oven baked meatloaf.
• It is budget friendly for smoking season. This is a great weekend smoker recipe when you want something hearty and smoky without buying a more expensive cut of meat like brisket, ribs, or a roast.
• The cheese makes it extra satisfying. The melty cheese center adds richness and makes every slice feel a little more special than classic meatloaf. If you love cozy, cheesy dinners, my Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe and Pesto Ricotta Lasagna are good ones to try next.
• It is great for family dinners or cookouts. This recipe is hearty enough for a summer barbecue but simple enough for a regular family supper. For another easy cookout style meal, try my Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls with mango salsa.

Key Ingredients

• Ground beef: Use 2 pounds of ground beef for a hearty meatloaf that serves about 8. An 80/20 blend works well because it has enough fat to stay juicy while it smokes.
• Onion: adds moisture and flavor to the meatloaf. Dice it small so it blends into the meat mixture and softens as it cooks.
• Bread crumbs: help bind the meatloaf and keep the texture tender. You can use oatmeal instead if you need a gluten free option.
• Tomato sauce: adds moisture and helps keep the meatloaf from drying out while it smokes.
• Eggs: help hold the meatloaf together so it slices cleanly after cooking.
• Worcestershire sauce: This adds a deep, savory flavor that works really well with smoked ground beef.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper and oregano keep the flavor simple but not bland. The smoke adds a lot, so the seasoning does not need to be complicated.
• Cheese: Use Swiss, mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby jack. Cheddar gives it a classic flavor, mozzarella melts smoothly, and pepper jack adds a little heat.
• BBQ sauce: Brush the meatloaf with BBQ sauce near the end of smoking so it gets sticky, flavorful, and slightly caramelized.

See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full ingredient list and exact amounts.

How to Make Smoked Meatloaf with Cheese

Step 1 Preheat your smoker or grill to 250°F. If using a Big Green Egg or charcoal smoker, set it up for indirect heat. If using a Traeger or pellet grill, preheat it according to the grill instructions.

Step 2 In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, tomato sauce, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, parsley, and oregano. Mix until everything is combined, but do not overmix or the meatloaf can turn dense.

Step 3 Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap to make shaping easier. This is only for shaping and will be removed before smoking.

Step 4 Add half of the meat mixture to the plastic-lined loaf pan and press it down firmly.

Step 5 Place the cheese in the center of the meatloaf and press it down slightly.

Step 6 Add the remaining meat mixture over and around the cheese. Press it down well and make sure the cheese is fully sealed inside so it does not leak out as much while smoking.

Step 7 Carefully invert the loaf pan onto the smoker rack or a grill-safe tray. Remove the loaf pan and plastic wrap completely before cooking.

Step 8 Insert a temperature probe into the meatloaf, making sure the probe is in the meat and not touching the cheese. Smoke for 2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 9 Brush the top of the meatloaf generously with BBQ sauce. Continue smoking for another 20 to 30 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and set.

Step 10 Transfer the smoked meatloaf to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Smoked Meatloaf Recipe with Cheese FAQs

More Ground Beef Recipes

Looking for more ground beef dinner inspiration? Try one of these:

If you tried this Smoked Meatloaf Recipe with Cheese or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!