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Cheesy Smoked Meatloaf

Smoked Meatloaf Recipe with Cheese

Welcome to a delicious experience where smoky flavors meet gooey cheese, and a hearty classic gets a fun twist.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 475 kcal

Equipment

  • Smoker or pellet grill
  • Large mixing bowl
  • loaf pan
  • Plastic wrap
  • Meat thermometer or temperature probe
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Basting brush

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs or oatmeal for gluten free
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 8 ounces cheese such as Swiss, mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby jack
  • BBQ sauce for brushing

Instructions
 

  • 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 according to the grill instructions.
  • 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 combined, but do not overmix.
  • Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap to help shape the meatloaf. The plastic wrap is only for shaping and will be removed before smoking.
  • Add half of the meat mixture to the plastic lined loaf pan and press it down firmly.
  • Place the cheese in the center of the meatloaf and press it down slightly.
  • Add the remaining meat mixture over and around the cheese. Press it down well and make sure the cheese is fully sealed inside.
  • Carefully invert the loaf pan onto the smoker rack or a grill safe tray. Remove the loaf pan and plastic wrap completely before cooking.
  • Insert a temperature probe into the meatloaf, making sure it is in the meat and not touching the cheese. Smoke for 2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • 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.
  • Transfer the smoked meatloaf to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Make sure the cheese is fully sealed inside the meatloaf to help prevent it from leaking out while smoking.
  • Remove all plastic wrap before placing the meatloaf on the smoker.
  • Insert the thermometer into the meat, not the cheese center, for an accurate temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 475kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 29gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 1062mgPotassium: 481mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 430IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 270mgIron: 4mg
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