Rustic Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe: A Comforting Twist

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this delectable Traeger pizza meatloaf that combines two beloved classics into one mouthwatering dish.

Packed with robust flavors and smoky undertones, this recipe promises a delightful twist on traditional meatloaf.

The Traeger grill infuses each bite with a rich, smoky essence that sets this creation apart from ordinary meals.

Tender ground beef mingles with zesty pizza-inspired seasonings, creating a symphony of taste that’ll make dinner feel like a special occasion.

Melted cheese and savory marinara sauce weave through the meat, delivering an irresistible flavor profile.

Crispy edges and a juicy interior guarantee a satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

One slice of this pizza meatloaf will transport you to comfort food heaven.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 8

Pizza Meatloaf Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty foundation with rich, meaty flavor and protein punch.
• Italian Sausage: Adds extra depth, spiciness, and traditional Italian zest to the meatloaf.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates tender texture and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
• Eggs: Acts as natural glue to hold the mixture compact and enhance moisture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty undertones and enhances overall umami profile.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes creamy, melty goodness with classic stretchy pizza-style appeal.
• Pepperoni: Introduces spicy, crispy pizzeria-inspired elements and beautiful visual texture.

• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasoning for balanced taste foundation.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses robust aromatic warmth without chunky garlic pieces.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweet-savory background notes.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends Mediterranean herbs for authentic pizza-inspired complexity.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces gentle smoky undertone complementing Traeger cooking method.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and vibrant color.
• Marinara Sauce: Delivers tangy tomato essence mimicking classic pizza sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Offers bright, herbaceous finishing garnish with fresh aroma.

Tools for Shaping a Pizza-Inspired Meatloaf

• Traeger Grill or Smoker: Essential for achieving smoky flavor and precise temperature control.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Foil-Lined Baking Sheet or Wire Rack: Helps with easy transfer and cleanup.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature for food safety.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing meatloaf after cooking.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparation and slicing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Bake a Meatloaf With All the Pizza Flavor

• Fire Up the Traeger

Set your smoker to 225F using hickory, cherry, or oak wood for incredible flavor. Let it warm up for about 15 minutes.

• Create the Meaty Magic

In a large bowl, blend ground beef, Italian sausage, and mix-ins until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat – gentle touches make it tender.

• Shape Your Flavor Bomb

Craft the mixture into a gorgeous loaf and place on a foil-lined baking sheet or wire rack.

• Slow Smoke the Masterpiece

Slide the loaf onto Traeger grates and smoke at 225F for 2 hours until internal temperature hits 140F.

• Dress Up the Meatloaf

Crank temperature to 300F. Slather marinara sauce over the loaf, sprinkle mozzarella, and crown with pepperoni slices. Cook until internal temp reaches 160F and cheese turns gloriously melty.

• Rest and Celebrate

Pull from smoker, let sit 10 minutes. Scatter fresh basil on top and serve while hot. Prepare for epic flavor explosions!

Toppings and Fillings to Make It Yours

• Gently mix ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender. Overmixing can make the texture tough and dense, robbing your dish of its delicious softness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Hitting 160F guarantees safe, juicy results without drying out the meatloaf.
• Let the meatloaf rest after cooking to help juices redistribute, creating a more succulent and flavorful slice.
• Smoking at lower temperatures infuses deeper wood-fired flavors, transforming a simple meatloaf into a gourmet experience.
• Swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make this recipe celiac-friendly without sacrificing texture.

Slice and Serve for a Twist on Classic Dinner

• Pizza Party Plating: Slice the meatloaf into thick, hearty portions that showcase the melted cheese and pepperoni layers. Serve on rustic wooden boards for a casual, inviting presentation.
• Sidekick Sensations: Pair with crisp caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement the rich, smoky flavors of the meatloaf. A light, tangy side helps balance the dish's intensity.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the meatloaf's richness. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling Italian sodas or a zesty iced tea.
• Leftover Love: Transform cold slices into gourmet sandwiches by adding fresh basil, extra marinara, and melting provolone between crusty ciabatta bread for a next-day lunch treat.

Keep Meatloaf Fresh for Second-Day Lunch

• Store leftover meatloaf in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm slices in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep the meat juicy.
• Prepare the entire meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows flavors to meld and simplifies your cooking process.

Hearty Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Traeger pizza meatloaf blends classic comfort with smoky grill magic, creating a hearty meal that delights taste buds. Cheese-stuffed and pizza-inspired, this dish delivers rich flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef (80/20)
• ½ lb (227 g) Italian sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (120 g) Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) diced pepperoni
• 10–12 slices pepperoni
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Traeger Preparation: Ignite the Traeger smoker to 225F, selecting hickory, cherry, or oak wood for enhanced aromatic flavor. Allow the smoker to stabilize for 15 minutes.
2. Meatloaf Composition: Amalgamate ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, seasonings, marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni in a spacious mixing vessel. Gently incorporate ingredients without overmixing to maintain tender texture.
3. Loaf Formation: Sculpt the protein mixture into a compact, uniform loaf and position on a foil-lined baking surface or wire rack designed for grill compatibility.
4. Smoking Process: Transfer the loaf onto Traeger grates, allowing it to absorb smoky essence at 225F for approximately two hours until reaching an internal temperature of 140F.
5. Finishing Stage: Elevate smoker temperature to 300F. Lavishly spread marinara across the meatloaf’s surface, generously crown with mozzarella and pepperoni slices. Continue cooking until internal temperature climbs to 160F and cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket.
6. Serving Presentation: Extract from smoker, permit brief resting period. Slice elegantly, garnish with fresh basil, and serve while radiating warm, inviting aromas.

Notes

• Mix ingredients lightly and avoid compressing the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent a dense, tough texture.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring the meatloaf reaches 160F for food safety without overcooking and drying out the meat.
• Choose mild woods like cherry or hickory that complement the pizza-style ingredients, enhancing the overall smoky and savory profile without overpowering the dish.
• Add cheese during the final 30 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and achieve a perfectly melted, golden-brown topping that mimics classic pizza presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg