Introduction
Smoked meatloaf isn’t your typical dinner. This dish gets its name from the incredible Jack Daniels whiskey infused throughout. Imagine a meatloaf that’s insanely moist from the whiskey, addictively flavorful with pepper jack cheese oozing out, and unbelievably bold with a spicy Jack Daniels sauce smothered on top. Add subtle hints of wood smoke, and you’ve got a meatloaf that’s well worth the effort.
- Preparation Time
20 minutes - Cooking Time
4 hours - Serves
6 adults - Difficulty
hard
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds of ground beef (at least 85/15 fat content)
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ medium red onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons Jack Daniels whiskey
- 2 tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub (or your favorite beef or steak seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup milk
- 6 oz pepper jack cheese, cut into strips
For the Jack Daniels Meatloaf Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Jack Daniels whiskey
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
smoked meatloaf
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds of ground beef at least 85/15 fat content
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ medium red onion grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp Jack Daniels whiskey
- 2 tbsp Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub or your favorite beef or steak seasoning
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup milk
- 6 oz pepper jack cheese cut into strips
For the Jack Daniels Meatloaf Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Jack Daniels whiskey
- 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preheat the Smoker
- Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. Hickory or oak wood is perfect for this recipe.
Make the Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, lightly beaten eggs, Jack Daniels whiskey, beef rub, Worcestershire sauce, and milk. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the meat or your meatloaf will be tough and chewy.
Assemble the Meatloaf
- Spread half of the meatloaf mixture on the bottom of a grill basket. Layer the pepper jack cheese on top, leaving about an inch of meat on all sides. Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture and press the edges together to seal completely. Make sure there are no exposed holes, or the cheese will leak out while cooking.
Add the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Jack Daniels whiskey, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
Smoke the Meatloaf
- Place the meatloaf on the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for about 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Serving Suggestions
- Let the smoked meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
Step by Step guide for smoked meatloaf(Instructions)
1.Preheat the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. Hickory or oak wood is perfect for this recipe.
2.Make the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, lightly beaten eggs, Jack Daniels whiskey, beef rub, Worcestershire sauce, and milk. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the meat or your meatloaf will be tough and chewy.
3.Assemble the Meatloaf
Spread half of the meatloaf mixture on the bottom of a grill basket. Layer the pepper jack cheese on top, leaving about an inch of meat on all sides. Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture and press the edges together to seal completely. Make sure there are no exposed holes, or the cheese will leak out while cooking.
4.Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Jack Daniels whiskey, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
5.Smoke the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf on the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for about 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
6.Serving Suggestions
Let the smoked meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Nutritional information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
FAQ’s for smoked meatloaf
How long should I smoke meatloaf?
Typically, you should smoke meatloaf for about 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick, you can substitute it with cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer.
What if I don’t have a smoker?
You can bake the meatloaf in the oven at 225 degrees F, though you’ll miss out on the smoky flavor. Consider using a smoked paprika in the meat mixture for some smoky essence.
Can I make this meatloaf without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the Jack Daniels whiskey with apple juice or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover smoked meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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