Traeger Pizza Meatloaf

This Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is a smoky, cheesy twist on classic meatloaf, packed with Italian flavors and topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni. Slow-smoked on a Traeger grill, it absorbs rich wood-fired flavor while staying juicy and tender. Whether you’re a fan of meatloaf, pizza, or BBQ, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pizza-Inspired Flavor – Tastes like your favorite pepperoni pizza in meatloaf form.
• Smoky & Juicy – Cooking on a Traeger adds deep, wood-fired flavor.
• Melty Cheese & Crispy Pepperoni – Gooey mozzarella and crispy toppings make every bite delicious.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
• Great for Meal Prep – Tastes amazing as leftovers or in sandwiches.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• ½ lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 15-20 pepperoni slices (for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the Traeger

• Set your Traeger grill to 250°F using hickory, cherry, or oak pellets for a rich, smoky flavor.
• Allow it to preheat for about 15 minutes with the lid closed.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

• In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ½ cup marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat to keep it tender.

3. Shape & Smoke the Meatloaf

• Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a wire rack or a greased foil-lined baking sheet.
• Transfer to the Traeger and smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

4. Add the Pizza Toppings

• Increase the Traeger temperature to 325°F.
• Brush the meatloaf with the remaining marinara sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
• Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Rest & Serve

• Remove from the Traeger and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Serve with extra marinara sauce and a side of garlic bread or salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Smoke Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Final Bake Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 3.5 hours

Variations

• Supreme Pizza Meatloaf – Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives to the mix.
• BBQ Pizza Twist – Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and use cheddar cheese instead.
• Spicy Version – Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
• Low-Carb Option – Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating:
  • Oven – Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
  • Microwave – Heat in 30-second bursts until warm.
  • Traeger – Reheat at 250°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What’s the best wood for smoking meatloaf?

Hickory, cherry, or oak add great smoky flavor without overpowering the meat.

Do I need a meatloaf pan for this recipe?

No, shaping the meatloaf and placing it directly on a wire rack or foil lets the smoke circulate better.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works, but it may cook a little faster—check for doneness at 155°F.

Why is my meatloaf dry?

Make sure not to overmix the meat, and include enough moisture from eggs, milk, and marinara sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate it overnight before smoking.

How do I get a nice crust on the meatloaf?

Let the meatloaf cook unwrapped for the full smoke time, and brush with marinara toward the end.

Can I make mini meatloaves instead?

Yes! Shape into smaller loaves and reduce the smoking time to 1.5-2 hours.

What can I serve with this meatloaf?

Garlic bread, roasted veggies, Caesar salad, or mashed potatoes pair well.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?

Yes! Any pizza sauce works, but homemade or high-quality marinara gives the best flavor.

How do I know when my meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer—160°F is the perfect temperature before resting.

Conclusion

This Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, blending smoky, cheesy, and pizza-inspired flavors into one delicious dish. Whether for a weekend cookout or a cozy family dinner, this meatloaf is a guaranteed hit. Fire up your Traeger and enjoy a slice of this smoky, melty goodness!

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