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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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