Should I cook my meatloaf covered or uncovered?

Should I cook my meatloaf covered or uncovered? The meatloaf can be cooked uncovered . However, if you are concerned about it burning, you can cover the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes and uncover it for the final 15 minutes to allow the meatloaf to brown on top.

Why do you put bread on bottom of meatloaf?

It absorbs the extra fat ," suggests one reader in the comments section of the article. "I, too, put two pieces of white bread on the bottom of the loaf pan to absorb all the fat that pours out of the meatloaf," states another.

How do you make meatloaf so it's not greasy?

Here's a simple trick to reduce the grease in your homemade meatloaf. When making meat loaf, line the bottom of your pan with slices of bread. Place the meat mixture in the pan and bake as usual . The bread will absorb most of the fat from the meat as it cooks.

Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?

The oven temperature is typically set at 350 degrees F for making meatloaf. That's the temperature you want to be sure to use so the meatloaf cooks and doesn't dry out. Too high, and the outer crust will burn before the interior is cooked all the way, too low and you don't get that delicious crust.

Do you put ketchup on meatloaf before or after cooking?

Whether you slather a thick layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf before it goes into the oven , add a few tablespoons to the ground meat mixture, or serve extra ketchup on the side, this tangy-sweet, umami-rich condiment balances out the richness of the beef, making it an essential part of the dish.

Best Smoked Meatloaf Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (2024)

Published by Jessica on June 19, 2020

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Easy Smoked Meatloaf made with common ingredients for a classic meatloaf recipe with incredible flavor! Take dinner up a notch with this meatloaf recipe cooked in a smoker.

Homemade Meatloaf has always been a family favorite. Sometimes Meatloaf is given a bad reputation but it is actually quite delicious and an easy meal to prepare.
The flavors for this made from scratch meatloaf recipe are a winning combination that our children love and truth be told- there are rarely any leftovers!

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CAN I SMOKE A MEATLOAF?

Yes, you can! Once you learn how to make meatloaf in your smoker or grill you will never go back to your oven. These simple instructions are easy to follow and will make the most flavorful meatloaf.

What is meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a dish traditionally made of ground meat that has been mixed with other ingredients and formed into the shape of a loaf, then baked or smoked. Most people use ground beef for their meatloaf. Other variations may include ground pork, veal, venison, poultry or seafood.

How long do you cook Meatloaf for?

It is important for Meatloaf to be cooked all the way through. You will want your loaf to reach an internal temperature of 155 degrees F. Most meatloaf recipes will require you to cook your meatloaf for at least one hour. Be sure to use a proper meat thermometer to get an accurate reading.

My all-time favoritemeat thermometer is the Thermapen. It’s super fast and incredibly durable. Anothergreat meat thermometer is the ThermoPopwhich is a more basic version that works just as well!

What to Serve with Smoked Meat Loaf

Meatloaf is a comfort food that is typically served with other comfort foods. Any type of potato would make a great pairing. Baked Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, french fries, roasted potatoes or scalloped potatoes would be delicious!
Adding a fresh or steamed veggie would always be a great side dish to eat with it.

Smoked Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef – I use 80/20 because the last thing you’ll want to eat is dry meatloaf
White Onion- I use about half and chop it really tiny
1 sleeve Soda Crackers (crushed) – Saltines work the best
2 eggs
Ketchup – you’ll put some in the meatloaf as well as use some for the glaze on top
Salt & Pepper
Ingredients for the Meatloaf Glaze – for the glaze you’ll need ketchup, mustard and brown sugar. It’s simple but SO GOOD.

How to Make Smoked Meatloaf

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. I do this by hand with food safe gloves because it’s easier but you can mix with a large spoon or a rubber scraper.

How to make Meatloaf Glaze

The glaze for this meatloaf consists of three simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry. The glaze is the last thing you’ll add to your meatloaf after is cooked and it is the finishing touch.

To make the glaze you will want to combine all three ingredients into a small sauce pan. Slowly warm up your ingredients on medium low heat, stirring often. Make sure the brown sugar dissolves completely. Once it is liquefied and warmed through it is finished and ready for glazing.

While smoking, mix ingredients for your glaze and warm slightly so the brown sugar can melt and it will spread on your meatloaf easier. Brush on glaze and increase temperature to 375°F.

Cook until an internal temperature of 155°, remove and let rest for 10 minutes. Temperature will continue to 160° during this resting time. Slice and serve!

Smoked Meatloaf

Easy Smoked Meatloaf made with common ingredients for a classic meatloaf recipe with incredible flavor! Take dinner up a notch with this meatloaf recipe cooked in a smoker.

4.75 from 4 votes

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Course: dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Smoked Meatloaf

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients for Meatloaf:

2.5 lbs 80/20 Ground Beef
1/2 cup White Onion thinly chopped
1 sleeve Soda Crackers crushed
2 eggs
1/2 cup Ketchup
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper

Meatloaf Glaze:

3/4 C Ketchup
1/4 C Brown Sugar
1 Tbsp Mustard

Instructions

Preheat smoker to 225°F.
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. I do this by hand with food safe gloves because it’s easier but you can mix with a large spoon or rubber scraper.
Shape into loaf and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Place in smoker. Insert oven safe probe thermometer into middle of meatloaf, if desired. You can also just take the temp by hand. Smoke for 1 hour at 225°F.
How to make Meatloaf Glaze
Combine all three ingredients into a small sauce pan. Slowly warm up your ingredients on medium low heat, stirring often. Make sure the brown sugar dissolves completely. Once it is liquefied and warmed through it is finished and ready for glazing.
Brush on glaze and increase temperature of smoker to 375°F.
Cook until an internal temperature of 155°, remove and let rest for 10 minutes. Temperature will continue to 160° during this resting time. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition

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Can you reheat Meatloaf?

Yes, you can reheat Meatloaf either in your microwave, oven or smoker. Make sure leftovers are properly stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Leftovers will be good for 3-5 days. I’m a huge fan of leftover meatloaf sandwiches!

Can I double this recipe for smoked meatloaf?

Yes, you can always double the recipe. You can do this by making one extra large loaf or by making two smaller loafs. If you make one large loaf you will need to cook it for longer.

Can you freeze Meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze meatloaf. For Meatloaf that has been cooked you will want to store it in an airtight container. Once frozen be sure to consume within 3 months. For raw meatloaf wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight freezer bag. Raw meatloaf should last up to six months in the freezer.

Not sure what to cook for dinner? Here are some ideas:

CHILE LIME SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS
EASY SMOKED TURKEY BREAST RECIPE
EASY SMOKED CHICKEN LEGS
BEST MEMORIAL DAY BBQ RECIPES
MINI MEATLOAF RECIPE with CHEDDAR CHEESE
HOW TO MAKE BEEF STROGANOFF
GRILLED FLANK STEAK
FIESTA RANCH CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Don’t be afraid to learn how to smoke a meatloaf! Homemade Meatloaf is a comfort food that everyone loves. Smoking your Meatloaf is so easy you will never use any other method. Follow these simple instructions to make the most delicious meatloaf recipe ever.

Easy Smoked Meatloaf made with common ingredients for a classic meatloaf recipe with incredible flavor! Take dinner up a notch with this meatloaf recipe cooked in a smoker.

More favorite recipes to try:

How to make Bread
Smores in Oven
Simple Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ham and Bean Soup in Crock Pot
Brining Chicken Legs for Smoking
St Patrick’s Day Treats

ABOUT US

I began Butter, with a Side of Bread to delve deeper into my fascination with food! I love cooking easy, delicious recipes and trying out new products. Welcome and I hope you stick around!