Hickory-Smoked Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Meatloaf with Tangy Ketchup Glaze
By Marcus Vance, RD, Pitmaster & Certified Clinical Dietitian · US & Metric Measurements · Ready in 2 hr 50 min
Not your grandmother's oven meatloaf. A savory blend of ground beef and pork bound with caramelized onions and panko, draped in crispy Hickory bacon, and smoked free-form on a wire rack at 250°F–300°F (121°C–149°C) to 160°F (71°C).
Ingredients (15)
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Helpful tools for making Hickory-Smoked Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Meatloaf with Tangy Ketchup Glaze:
- → ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
- → Traeger Signature Blend 100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets (20 lb Bag)
- → Bryco Goods Pink Kraft Butcher Paper Roll (18 Inch x 175 Feet, Unwaxed)
- → MEATER Plus Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth Repeater
- → Traeger Pellet Grill BAC363 Drip Tray Liners (5-Pack)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
💡 Chef Tips for Best Results
- ✓Pro Tip 1: Chilling the molded meatloaf in the freezer for 15 minutes before putting it on the smoker helps it hold a proud, tall brick shape on the flat wire rack.
- ✓Pro Tip 2: Always sauté the diced onions for 5 minutes before mixing into the raw meat; raw onions release water inside the meatloaf and create steam pockets that make slices crumble.
- ✓Pro Tip 3: Clinical Nutrition Note: Combining pork and 85/15 beef provides all nine essential amino acids, while free-form rack cooking drains nearly 4 tablespoons of excess rendered saturated fat.
🧊 Storage, Freezing & Safe Reheating
Store sliced meatloaf in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat to 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn't I bake the meatloaf inside a standard loaf pan on the Traeger?
A solid metal loaf pan blocks 75% of the meatloaf from absorbing wood smoke and traps a pool of boiling grease around the bottom crust. Using a flat wire cooling rack gives you 360-degree bark.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Easily! Swap the 3/4 cup (45 g) panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or quick-cooking rolled oats at a 1:1 ratio.
📖 More Recipes from The Ultimate Traeger Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook
Adapted from The Ultimate Traeger Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook by Marcus Vance, RD, Pitmaster & Certified Clinical Dietitian. Explore all 30 recipes in this collection or look up the print & Kindle edition on Amazon.
Recipe by Marcus Vance, RD, Pitmaster & Certified Clinical Dietitian
Adapted from The Ultimate Traeger Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook and edited for American kitchens by the RecipeVault Pro editorial team — US & metric measurements, USDA-safe doneness temperatures, and practical tips. Our editorial policy
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