smoked meatloaf

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.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

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.