This Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Meatloaf is so good you’ll wonder why you’ve made meatloaf any other way. It’s juicy, moist, packed with flavor, and topped with crispy, smoky bacon.
Sick of plain old meatloaf? Yeah, me too. This bacon-wrapped smoked meatloaf is the best way to take regular meatloaf to a whole new level. Whether you have a pellet smoker, a charcoal grill with wood chips, or a vertical smoker, swapping the oven for a smoker creates the most amazing results.
And you can never go wrong with anything that’s wrapped in bacon!
What you need to make this recipe
- Beef vs Bacon Mix – I use Porter Road’s Beef vs Bacon for this recipe, but you can use a mix of 50% ground beef and 50% ground pork if preferred.
- Olive Oil – used to sauté the aromatics before adding them into the meatloaf.
- Onion and Garlic – onions add a subtle caramel-y sweetness while garlic adds a punch of nuttiness.
- Paprika, Chili Powder, and Red Pepper Flakes – a simple trio of seasonings that gives the meatloaf spicy, smoky flavor.
- Eggs – binds the ingredients together so the meatloaf can hold its shape.
- Breadcrumbs – soaks in the moisture from the meat as it cooks to keep the loaf moist. The moist breadcrumbs also act as another binding agent.
- Parsley – I recommend using fresh parsley for the best flavor. If all you have is dried, that will work as well.
- Bacon – use thick-cut bacon so it doesn’t overcook in the smoker.
How to make bacon-wrapped smoked meatloaf
First thing’s first, prep your grill with neutral flavor chunks and get it ready for a smoke at 225-250ºF.
Next, preheat a skillet over medium heat, add in the olive oil, then sauté the onion until soft. Add in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, then mix in the paprika, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Remove the mixture from heat and let sit in the pan.
In a large bowl, add eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley, beef bacon mix, and the onion mixture. Stir to combine.
Form the meat mixture into a loaf, then layer the bacon on top as desired. Place the loaf into a prepper loaf pan.
Smoke the meatloaf over indirect heat until the bacon is crisp and the meatloaf is 160ºF, then rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
What is the internal temperature for meatloaf?
For meatloaf, you want an internal temperature of 160ºF. The key is to keep a close enough eye on your meatloaf that you cook it to 160ºF, but no more. If it’s overcooked, the meat will be dry and tough.
A perfectly cooked meatloaf will probably take around 2 hours in the smoker. Keep in mind though that there are a lot of factors that can alter the smoking time so I definitely recommend using a quick-read digital thermometer, like a thermapen, to verify that it’s cooked to the right temperature before serving.
Tips, tricks, and notes for this recipe
- Use neutral flavor chunks. I recommend using mellow wood for a more mild smoke flavor. I use Western Wood Hickory Chunks. Stay away from fruitwoods so the smoke can work its magic.
- Don’t over-mix. Mix the meatloaf ingredients only until just combined. If you mix too much, the meat can become tough and dry.
- Use thick-cut bacon. Use thick-cut bacon so it cooks at the same rate as the meatloaf. Thin-cut will cook too fast and could burn in the smoker.
- Drain off excess fat. As the meatloaf starts cooking, drain off any excess fat if it starts to accumulate so the meatloaf doesn’t end up overly soggy or greasy.
- Don’t overcook. Stop cooking the meatloaf as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. Overcooked meatloaf isn’t as tender and moist.
What to serve with bacon-wrapped meatloaf
This bacon-wrapped smoked meatloaf is the best smoky twist on classic comfort food, so I love to serve it next to classic smoky sides. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
- BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Smoked Corn on the Cob
- Smoked Potato Salad
How to store
Leftover meatloaf will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 3-4 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen, then reheat in the oven to warm and re-crisp the bacon until heated through.
More smoked meat recipes you’ll love
- Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Fatty
- Easy Vertical Smoked Ribs
- Spicy Deviled Eggs with Chicharrones
- Char-Grilled Pork Roast
If you’ve tried my Perfect Bacon Wrapped Smoked Meatloaf Recipe or any other recipe on GirlCarnivore.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below. I get inspired by your feedback and comments! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram @girlcarnivore as well as on Twitter and Facebook.
Perfect Bacon Wrapped Smoked Meatloaf
Equipment
- Pit Barrel Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef vs bacon mix see note*
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- ½ lbs thick-cut bacon
Instructions
Prep Grill
- Preheat your smoker with good neutral flavor chunks and get it ready for a smoke at 225 – 250 degrees.
Sautee Onion
- Line a 9″ loaf pan with parchment paper or butcher paper.
- Meanwhile, preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Sautee the onion 5 minutes, until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add in the paprika, chili powder, and red pepper flakes and stir to coat.
- Remove from heat and allow to cook.
Make Meatloaf
- In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, bread crumbs, parsley, and beef bacon mix.
- Add in the onion mixture.
- Stir to combine well.
- Form into a loaf and gently layer the bacon atop as desired, based on the length of the bacon.
- Place the meat in the prepper loaf pan.
Smoke Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- Smoke the meatloaf over indirect heat until the bacon is crisp and the meatloaf temps at 160 degrees in the center.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the meatloaf from the heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes on a write rack before slicing.
GiGi Eats says
Bacon-wrapped anything is pure appetite pleasing GOLD!!!
Katie Grazer says
I have actually never made meatloaf before but this looks incredible. Also your photography skills are on point. Thank you for sharing!
Denise says
I love meatloaf and adding this new spin on things will make my family love it more. The picture alone makes me hungry
Melissa Chapman says
That meatloaf looks so well made and would be a great dinner for a hungry family. I never thought to use a meat thermometer for meatloaf but this leaves no chance of cooking error.
Amber Myers says
You had me at bacon! I tend to love anything with bacon on it. I must try this for dinner one night.
Rena says
I always put bacon on my meatloaf but I had never tried to smoke one before. I bet that is amazing! Pinning.
Liz Mays says
This sounds like an awesome weeknight dinner. I’ll need to keep those moisture tips in mind!
Theresa says
I haven’t made meatloaf in ages. I think this is the perfect recipe to toss together and fix that asap. Bacon wrapped really makes everything taste better!
Melanie Walsh says
I’m a vegetarian, but my husband isn’t. He is always so touched when I find yummy recipes for him. This is going to be a huge hit. I never would have thought of smoking a meatloaf. I’m sure it’s such an awesome flavor.
Kita says
I think its really cool that you are willing to try non-vegetarian recipes for your husband. High fives to you both!
Heather says
I have never tried to bacon wrap anything. I think I might just start with this meatloaf!
Sarah Bailey says
Do you know I don’t think I’ve ever made meatloaf before, it’s not something that has ever made me think wow I need to try this. Until now! I TOTALLY need to try this – it looks incredible! You had my mouth watering with your pictures.
Denay DeGuzman says
Wow! This smoked meatloaf looks amazing. From your beautiful images I can almost taste and smell this deliciousness. Thank you for sharing this unique meatloaf recipe. I look forward to trying this over Labor Day weekend.
Stacie says
You had me at “bacon wrapped”. I have to make this. It looks so good!
danielle says
I actually make this in a vegan version; it’s delicious!
Kita says
Rock out!! I love a delicious vegan spin – was just talking to a friend about substitutes and options .
Terri Steffes says
My husband does this same recipe on his Big Green Egg and it is amazing! We love summer because he makes it weekly and we snack on it all week.
Beth says
I can see why this is a favorite recipe. We used to make a similar meatloaf recipe, but not in a smoker. I am sure a smoker would make it better.
Ruth I says
You sound like a legit meatloaf guru at it’s finest. I love home made meatloaf because of it’s controlled quality. Nothing beats a smoked meat.
kumamonjeng says
I love bacon and i didnt know you can use it to wrap the meatloaf! What a creative way!
Kathy says
This sure does look good. I haven’t had a good meatloaf in such a long time either. I will certainly have to try this recipe out real soon. Looking forward to trying it too.
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says
This smoke meatloaf looks so delicious. I can’t wait to get the ingredients to try to out this recipe.
Ashley says
I have to say, I’ve never been a fan of meatloaf, but this stuff looks incredible! Plus Bacon ALWAYS helps!
Heather says
My family would love this meatloaf! I’ll have to make it for them soon.
chubskulit rose says
I can just imagine how good the flavor of the bacon really added to the goodness of the meatloaf.
Arya says
This recipe looks perfect for cooler days and a table full of friends celebrating something 😉 love the vibe!
krystal says
I could never find meatloaf that I liked BUT with your bacon idea I might love this! Looks good!
Myrah Duque says
You seem to really know your meat stuff! Homemade meatloaf is so delicious! Smoke meat is a favorite.
HilLesha says
My mom loves meatloaf. I will have to share your recipe with her! She’d love it.
blair villanueva says
Ohh la la this recipe is making me hungry even more. I like the idea of bacon wrap. Deliciously good.
alexandra cook says
Oh my goodness, these ingredients sound perfect together! This is going on our meal plan for this week. My family will love this
Jackline A says
I love meatloaf and this one has my mouth watering. I am bookmarking this page. Thanks for sharing
amu says
bacon is my kids’ favorite! what a delicious looking recipe, i’ll try this soon
Ada says
Wow this sounds so amazing! i bet my fiance would love it.
Catherine says
Smoked meatloaf sounds absolutely marvelous! What a delicious meal…the family would go nuts for this!
Shannon Gurnee says
Our kids love the meatloaf recipe I make. I’ve never made it with bacon wrapped around it though. Sounds amazing!