Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe: A Simple and Savory Meal Solution

Meatloaf used to be a dish I wasn’t too fond of, but that all changed when I tasted my husband’s family recipe. It was love at first bite! Now, I’m excited to share my twist on this classic comfort food – a Traeger Pizza Meatloaf that combines the flavors of pizza with the smokiness of a pellet grill.

This unique fusion brings together two family favorites into one delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. By using a Traeger grill, we add a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with traditional cooking methods.

Key Takeaways

• A new twist on a classic comfort food dish.
• Combines pizza flavors with the smokiness of a pellet grill.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
• Simple preparation with a big impact on flavor.
• A great way to mix up your meal routine with a unique fusion dish.

The Perfect Fusion of Pizza and Meatloaf

If you’re looking for a recipe that brings together the flavors of pizza and the comfort of meatloaf, look no further. The Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is a smoky, cheesy twist on classic meatloaf, packed with Italian flavors and topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a guaranteed hit because it combines the savory goodness of meatloaf with the fun flavors of pizza. The slow-smoking process on a Traeger grill infuses the meatloaf with rich, wood-fired flavor while keeping it juicy and tender. The result is a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

What to Expect from This Smoky Delight

When you take a bite, you’ll experience layers of flavor – from the savory meat base to the tangy marinara and melty cheese on top. The aroma that fills your backyard as this pizza meatloaf smokes is mouthwatering, with a combination of smoky wood, Italian herbs, and savory meat. You can expect a beautiful presentation with bubbling cheese and slightly crisp pepperoni on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating a Traeger Pizza Meatloaf that’s both savory and satisfying starts with having the right ingredients on hand. To achieve the perfect blend of flavors, you’ll need to gather ingredients for both the meatloaf base and the pizza toppings.

For the Meatloaf Base

The foundation of a great Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is a well-crafted meatloaf base. While the specific ingredients for the base are not detailed here, it’s essential to focus on quality and freshness to ensure the best flavor.

For the Pizza Toppings and Sauce

For the pizza toppings, you’ll need 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni. Optional toppings include chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste. Additionally, have 1 cup marinara sauce ready for topping the meatloaf before adding the cheese and pepperoni. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano just before serving adds brightness and color.

• For an authentic pizza experience, plenty of shredded mozzarella cheese is used to create that stretchy, gooey topping.
• Pepperoni slices are essential for the classic pizza flavor, crisping up beautifully on top as it cooks.
• A high-quality marinara sauce is recommended for the best flavor.

Equipment Required

Having the right tools is crucial for preparing a delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf. To make this recipe, you’ll need a combination of Traeger grill essentials and basic kitchen tools.

Traeger Grill Essentials

For smoking your meatloaf to perfection, your Traeger grill is the star of the show. Ensure it’s in good working condition and preheated to the right temperature. You’ll also need a foil-lined baking sheet or a grill-safe wire rack to form and transport your meatloaf. This not only makes cleanup simpler but also prevents the meatloaf from sticking.

Kitchen Tools

In my kitchen, I rely on a few essential tools to prepare the Traeger Pizza Meatloaf. A large mixing bowl is a must for combining all the ingredients thoroughly. I also recommend using disposable food-safe gloves when mixing the meat by hand to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. Additionally, a sharp knife and cutting board are necessary for preparing pepperoni and other toppings. Finally, a spatula or large meat turner is handy for transferring the finished meatloaf to a serving platter without it falling apart.

Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making a delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf. This recipe combines the best of both worlds – the savory flavor of meatloaf and the cheesy goodness of pizza – all cooked to perfection on your Traeger grill.

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture

To start, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and your choice of seasonings in a large bowl until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense. The mixture should be cohesive but still retain some texture.

Forming and Stuffing the Loaf

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a flat surface. Make a depression in the center and fill it with your preferred filling, such as mozzarella cheese or pepperoni. Fold the meat over the filling to enclose it, and shape the loaf again to ensure it’s evenly formed.

Smoking on Your Traeger

Place the meatloaf on your Traeger grill, set to smoke at a low temperature. Let it cook until it reaches an internal temperature that’s about 10 degrees away from being done.

Adding the Pizza Toppings

marinara sauce, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over it, followed by pepperoni slices. Increase the Traeger temperature to 325°F to melt the cheese and crisp the pepperoni edges. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pizza Meatloaf

Achieving pizza meatloaf perfection is easier than you think with these pro tips. To start, it’s crucial to handle the meatloaf mixture gently, ensuring all ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf.

Temperature Control Techniques

For a crispier crust, sear the meatloaf on a hot grill or in a cast iron skillet before smoking on your Traeger. This step enhances the texture and flavor.

Achieving the Ideal Texture

Using 80/20 ground beef and adding enough binding liquid, such as eggs and marinara sauce, helps maintain moisture. Topping with freshly shredded mozzarella adds a creamy, melted layer. Allowing the meatloaf to rest after cooking redistributes the juices, ensuring a tender final product.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your Traeger pizza meatloaf is just as important as making it; here are some ideas to get you started. A well-presented dish can elevate the dining experience and make your meal more enjoyable.

Complementary Side Dishes

To complement your Traeger pizza meatloaf, consider serving it with some classic Italian-inspired side dishes. A simple green salad or a serving of garlic bread can pair nicely with the flavors of the meatloaf. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of pasta for a more filling meal.

Presentation Ideas

To make your Traeger pizza meatloaf visually appealing, consider garnishing it with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serving the meatloaf on a wooden cutting board or pizza peel can add to the rustic charm. You can also slice the meatloaf at the table to reveal the layers of meat, cheese, and pepperoni.

For an added touch, you can offer additional pizza toppings on the side, allowing your guests to customize their slices. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

The key to savoring your Traeger Pizza Meatloaf over multiple meals lies in proper storage and reheating techniques. Ensuring that your leftovers remain fresh and flavorful requires attention to detail in both storage and reheating methods.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To keep your Traeger Pizza Meatloaf fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This simple step helps maintain the quality and flavor of the meatloaf.

Best Methods for Reheating

Reheating can be done in multiple ways. For the best results, I recommend using the oven, as it helps maintain the texture better than microwave reheating. If time is a concern, the microwave is a viable option, but be sure to cover the meatloaf with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Reheating on your Traeger adds a touch more smoke flavor.

After reheating, let the meatloaf rest for a minute or two before slicing. Serving it with freshly warmed marinara sauce and a side of garlic bread makes leftovers feel like a brand new meal.

Conclusion

This innovative Traeger Pizza Meatloaf recipe brings together the best of pizza and meatloaf, creating a culinary delight that’s both simple to make and rewarding to share. With its smoky aroma, cheesy toppings, and endless customization options, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The key to its success lies in the quality marinara sauce, generous shredded mozzarella, and the wonderful smoky flavor from the Traeger grill. Serve it with garlic bread for a complete meal experience that’s sure to impress. I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative with your comfort food classics and enjoy the delightful fusion of pizza meatloaf with your family.

Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe: A Simple and Savory Meal Solution

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• Author: mymamarecipes.com
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is a flavorful mashup of two beloved comfort foods: smoky meatloaf and cheesy pepperoni pizza. Smoked low and slow on a Traeger pellet grill, this meatloaf is juicy, tender, and topped with marinara, melty mozzarella, and crisped pepperoni for a show-stopping weeknight dinner or weekend meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Base:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Filling & Toppings:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)

• Optional: diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms

• Optional: fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

• Preheat Traeger grill to 225°F.

• In a large mixing bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, and seasonings. Don’t overmix.

• Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a foil-lined tray. Create a cavity in the center, add ½ cup shredded mozzarella and a few pepperoni slices, then fold the meat to seal.

• Place the meatloaf on the grill and smoke at 225°F for about 2 hours, or until internal temp reaches 150°F.

• Increase grill temp to 325°F. Spread marinara sauce on top of the loaf, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and top with pepperoni.

• Continue cooking for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and internal temp reaches 160°F.

• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meat to keep it tender.

Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.

Add diced vegetables inside or on top for customization.

For a crisp crust, sear the meatloaf in a skillet before smoking.

Leftovers reheat well and can be used for sandwiches.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Smoking + Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pizza meatloaf, Traeger meatloaf, smoked meatloaf, pellet grill recipes, comfort food, cheesy meatloaf