This ain’t your mama’s meatloaf. This meatloaf bacon-wrapped smoked and loaded with flavor. So good, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made meatloaf in years.
How to Smoke Meatloaf
Want to really add some flavor to your meatloaf? Try smoking it. Whether you have a pellet smoker, a charcoal grill with wood chips, or a vertical smoker, you can smoke meatloaf for amazing results.
See the full web story for Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Meatloaf here.
Make sure your smoker is ready to smoke at 225 – 250 degrees. The raw pork in the meatloaf needs to cook evenly and the temperature is key.
If you are wrapping in bacon, like the recipe below calls for, you also want a high enough temp to make sure the bacon gets crispy for a better texture. Wrapping the meatloaf in bacon makes a great texture to slice through and really amps up the flavors.
Smoking a single meatloaf (or even a few) in a loaf pan is easy and only takes a few hours from start to finish. Use a mellow wood, like hickory, for a mild smoke flavor. Given meatloaf is usually a mix of beef, pork, and spices, I stay away from fruitwoods and just let the smoke work its magic.
Make sure you drain off any unnecessary fat as things get going to avoid soggy or overly greasy meat.
What makes a good meatloaf mix
A great meatloaf has the right mix of pork, beef, and fat. Too much fat and things can become a greasy mess, but a good balance is key to the amazing flavor.
Also, this isn’t a healthy turkey meatloaf, this is a smoked bacon-wrapped meatloaf. So, don’t go cutting calories by skimping on taste.
Having the meat mixed with not too much liquid, but enough bind the egg, spices, and breadcrumbs together.
Also, personally, I like to make sure my meatloaf doesn’t taste like an overgrown meatball. Sure they are both meat formed things, but one I reserve for use in pasta dishes and the other I want piled high with mashed potatoes.
How to keep the meat moist
I can remember the days of slathering my meatloaf in ketchup or gravy, whatever was on hand just to add some moisture back. It was like watching the rain on the desert, the meatloaf would just absorb the liquid like arid drought-ridden earth and I could see the moisture being sucked away right before my eyes.
This may be an exaggeration, but yall know exactly what I am talking about.
To keep a meatloaf moist, you first, must not overcook it. Using a thermometer as mentioned below is key.
And make sure there is enough fat in the mix so that while it cooks, the fat melts, creating a great flavor and locking in moisture. Also, like this smoked meatloaf, wrapping it in bacon goes a long way.
How long to smoke meatloaf
How long to ‘smoke’ anything is such a hard question. So many things affect the temperature and time it takes to run any type of smoker. From the heat source to the weather, everything can change the smoking time.
Always go by internal temperature. It’s the number one hard rule for good barbecue. Not only does it remove the stress from ‘how long’ it also guarantees food safety and with that, not overcooking your meat. (Because no one wants dried out meatloaf).
For meatloaf, with the mix of pork and beef all wrapped inside bacon, you want an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. I run a temperature probe for any major cuts that are slated to sit and smoke for hours, but for a meatloaf, where I know at most, it’s only going to be a few hours, I use a quick read digital thermometer, like the Thermapen.
Want more smoked meat inspiration? Try some of my favorite recipes
- 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!