If you’re ready to take your comfort food game to an entirely new level, the Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf Recipe is exactly what you need. This isn’t your average meatloaf; it’s a smoky, cheesy celebration of flavors that combines perfectly balanced spices, tender ground meats, and that unmistakable smoky aroma from slow cooking in a smoker. Each bite melts with a delightful mix of pepper jack cheese and BBQ sauce that keeps you coming back for more, turning a humble dish into an unforgettable feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to deliver incredible flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a unique role, whether it’s binding the meatloaf, adding moisture, or layering in those smoky, savory notes that make this recipe stand out.
- Ground beef (80/20), 2 pounds: Provides rich flavor and juiciness with the right fat content.
- Ground pork, 1/2 pound: Adds tenderness and subtle sweetness.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Gives a mild sweetness and pleasant aroma.
- Green bell pepper, 1/2, finely chopped: Brings a fresh, crisp texture and subtle earthiness.
- Garlic cloves, 3 minced: Infuses the loaf with aromatic depth and a hint of sharpness.
- Eggs, 2: Act as the perfect binder for a firm but tender loaf.
- Panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup: Lightens the mixture and helps retain moisture.
- Whole milk, 1/2 cup: Adds creaminess and keeps the meatloaf juicy.
- Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup: Boosts umami and adds complexity.
- BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup plus more for glazing: Offers sweet, tangy, and smoky layers of flavor.
- Smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon: Gives a subtle smoky warmth.
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds balanced heat and sharpness.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Essential for enhancing all flavors.
- Chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Offers a gentle kick to spice it up.
- Onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Reinforces the onion flavor with a mild sweetness.
- Shredded pepper jack cheese, 1/2 cup: Melts into the loaf, adding creamy heat and a zesty bite.
- Optional toppings: extra shredded pepper jack or sliced jalapeños: Perfect if you want even more spice and texture on top.
How to Make Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your smoker to 250°F, ideally using hickory or your favorite wood chips for that signature smoky aroma. This low and slow heat is critical to developing the deep flavor and perfect tenderness that defines the Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf Recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Add the eggs, panko breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, and all the seasonings including smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, and onion powder. Mix just until everything is evenly incorporated—overmixing will make your meatloaf tough. Lastly, fold in the shredded pepper jack cheese to infuse creamy heat throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper or directly onto a wire rack, shaping it into a classic loaf form roughly 8×4 inches. This shape ensures even smoke penetration and cooking, setting the stage for perfect slices.
Step 4: Smoke the Meatloaf
Place the shaped meatloaf into the smoker and let it cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Around the final 30 minutes, brush the top generously with additional BBQ sauce and sprinkle on any extra shredded cheese or sliced jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous. This last step adds a beautiful glaze and sharp finish.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, keeping each slice moist and flavorful, which is the hallmark of the Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf Recipe.
How to Serve Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Top your meatloaf slices with a little extra shredded pepper jack cheese or fresh jalapeño slices for an eye-catching presentation and that final spicy zing. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley can add a vibrant, fresh contrast to the smoky richness.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven here, offering creamy comfort to balance the smoky intensity. Grilled corn on the cob or a crisp green salad is perfect for adding freshness and a bit of crunch to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not transform leftovers into sliders for a fun twist? Serve slices on toasted buns with crisp lettuce and a smear of extra BBQ sauce. Or go for a hearty open-faced sandwich topped with pickles for an addictive lunch or casual dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This allows you to enjoy the smoky magic again with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to three months without losing its rich flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil to prevent drying out, or microwave covered on medium power to keep it juicy. Either way, you’ll find the Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf Recipe just as delicious the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use just ground beef instead of mixing meats?
Absolutely. Using all ground beef works fine, but mixing pork adds extra moisture and tenderness, which enhances the overall texture and flavor in this recipe.
What type of smoker wood works best for this recipe?
Hickory is a fantastic choice for a strong, classic smoky flavor. However, fruit woods like apple or cherry can provide a sweeter, milder smoke that pairs nicely with the BBQ sauce and spices.
Is it necessary to use pepper jack cheese?
While the pepper jack is key to the ‘Jack’d Up’ element, giving that nice spicy kick and creaminess, you can substitute with cheddar or mozzarella if preferred. Just know the flavor profile will be a bit different.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Use hot pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. Topping with sliced jalapeños before the final glaze step will also boost the heat beautifully.
Can I smoke this meatloaf on a gas grill?
You can replicate smoky flavors on a gas grill using a smoker box with wood chips or by using liquid smoke in the mix, but the slow smoker’s gentle heat is ideal for developing that perfect texture and authentic flavor of the Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf Recipe, it will become a go-to for giving classic meatloaf a mouthwatering makeover. The smoky aroma, spicy cheese, and perfectly seasoned meat will have you sharing this recipe with friends and family for years to come. So fire up your smoker and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf is a smoky, flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish. Combining ground beef and pork with a blend of spices, vegetables, and pepper jack cheese, this meatloaf is slow-smoked to perfection at 250°F using hickory wood chips, resulting in a tender and juicy entrée with a delicious BBQ glaze and optional spicy toppings.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- Additional shredded pepper jack or sliced jalapeños (optional topping)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Binding and Moisture
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for glazing
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker: Set your smoker to 250°F and prepare it with hickory or your favorite wood chips to impart a rich smoky flavor to the meatloaf.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, and all seasonings (smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, onion powder). Gently mix until just combined to avoid toughening the meat.
- Add cheese and shape loaf: Fold in the shredded pepper jack cheese to incorporate pockets of melty flavor. Shape the mixture into a loaf form on parchment paper or a wire rack for easy handling.
- Smoke the meatloaf: Place the shaped meatloaf into the smoker and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring thorough cooking and safety.
- Glaze and add toppings: In the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the top generously with additional BBQ sauce. Sprinkle extra shredded pepper jack cheese or add sliced jalapeños on top if you want an extra kick.
- Rest before serving: Once smoked, remove the meatloaf and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making for moist and tender slices.
Notes
- For a spicier meatloaf, substitute hot pepper jack cheese and incorporate diced jalapeños into the meat mix.
- This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes or grilled corn.
- Leftovers are perfect for hearty sandwiches.
