Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe for Family Favorites

Comfort meets innovation with this mind-blowing traeger pizza meatloaf that transforms dinner into a culinary adventure.

Juicy ground beef mingles with classic pizza flavors, creating a mouthwatering mashup.

Crispy edges and melted cheese promise a memorable meal that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Smoky undertones from the traeger grill infuse each slice with deep, rich complexity.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing fusion.

Hearty and satisfying, you’ll want to add this recipe to your permanent rotation.

Grab a plate and prepare for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Traeger Meatloaf FAQs

• What makes this meatloaf different from traditional meatloaf?

This meatloaf combines classic meatloaf with pizza flavors by using Italian sausage, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, creating a unique fusion dish that tastes like pizza in meatloaf form.

• Can I make this recipe without a Traeger smoker?

You can use a regular oven, but you’ll miss the smoky wood flavor. If using an oven, set it to the same temperature stages and cook on a baking sheet, though the smoke-infused taste won’t be identical.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The meatloaf is done when it reaches 160F, which ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild heat from red pepper flakes and smoked paprika. If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit these ingredients, or if you want more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Why Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Is a Fun Twist on a Classic

• Transforms classic meatloaf into a gourmet pizza-inspired masterpiece that breaks the monotony of traditional meals.
• Wood-fired cooking technique adds deep, rich smokiness that penetrates every bite, creating an irresistible taste profile without extra effort.
• Combines all pizza ingredients directly into the meatloaf mixture, reducing cooking steps and delivering complex flavors with simple preparation.
• Merges two beloved comfort foods – pizza and meatloaf – ensuring everyone at the table gets excited about dinner, from children to grandparents.

What You’ll Need to Make Pizza-Flavored Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Rich protein foundation with classic meaty flavor, choose 80/20 lean to fat ratio for juiciness.
• Italian Sausage: Adds depth and spicy undertones, provides extra flavor complexity.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs: Help bind the meat mixture together and maintain moisture.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and classic pizza-like flavor profile.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide rich, melty texture and authentic pizza taste.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that adds spicy, meaty crunch.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning for meat enhancement.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide aromatic background flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Create complex, pizza-inspired spice profile.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh finishing touch for added aroma and color.

How to Cook Pizza Meatloaf on the Traeger

Step 1: Fire Up The Smoker

Crank your Traeger to 225°F and select wood chips like hickory or cherry. Let the smoker warm up for about 15 minutes to infuse delicious smoky flavors.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Diced pepperoni

Gently mix ingredients until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.

Step 3: Shape The Masterpiece

Mold the meat mixture into a classic loaf shape. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet or wire rack designed for grilling.

Step 4: Low And Slow Smoking

Position the meatloaf on Traeger grates. Smoke at 225°F for 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Step 5: Elevate With Toppings

Boost smoker temperature to 300°F. Spread marinara sauce over meatloaf, then generously top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices. Cook until internal temperature hits 160°F and cheese becomes melted and golden.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Remove from smoker. Allow meatloaf to rest 10 minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil on top and slice. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Tips to Get Crispy Edges and Melty Toppings

• Customize Your Smoke: Choose wood chips like hickory or cherry for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that complement the meaty dish.
• Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep the texture moist and tender, ensuring a juicy final result.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let mozzarella melt during the final cooking stage to create a perfectly golden, stretchy pizza-style topping.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring food safety and optimal doneness without overcooking.
• Resting Rule: Allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier and cleaner.

Store and Slice Meatloaf Without Losing Shape

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen meatloaf maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying.
• Slice meatloaf and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent overcooking.

Best Pairings for Pizza Meatloaf Night

• Select a bold, medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the cheese's richness.
• Create a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and cherry tomatoes to balance the meatloaf's hearty profile and provide a light, tangy contrast.
• Prepare crusty Italian bread brushed with olive oil and roasted garlic, which echoes the pizza-inspired ingredients and provides a perfect dipping companion for the meatloaf's marinara sauce.
• Roast colorful bell peppers and zucchini with Italian herbs to add a nutritious, flavorful element that matches the recipe's Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Pizza Meatloaf Variations Kids and Adults Will Love

• Gluten-Free Pizza Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Perfect for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Pizza Loaf: Swap ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-based crumbles. Add extra mushrooms for meaty texture and umami flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. Increase fat content with additional cheese and reduce marinara sauce to minimize carbohydrates. Great for ketogenic diet followers.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Replace Italian sausage with spicy lamb sausage. Add chopped kalamata olives and feta cheese. Sprinkle za'atar seasoning for an exotic Mediterranean flavor profile.

Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Smoky Traeger pizza meatloaf merges classic comfort with Italian-inspired flavors, creating a hearty dinner that combines ground beef, pepperoni, and melted cheese. Cheese lovers will savor this innovative twist on traditional meatloaf, promising a delicious meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef (80/20)
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) Italian sausage

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 whole eggs
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Topping and Sauce:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup diced pepperoni
• 10–12 whole pepperoni slices

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Traeger smoker by setting the temperature to 225F, selecting wood chips like hickory, cherry, or oak for enhanced flavor. Allow the smoker to preheat thoroughly for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Create the meatloaf mixture by combining ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, seasonings, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni in a large mixing bowl. Gently blend ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding excessive mixing that could toughen the meat.
3. Carefully shape the seasoned meat mixture into a cohesive loaf, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and a compact form that will hold together during smoking.
4. Position the meatloaf on a foil-lined baking sheet or wire rack, then transfer to the Traeger grates. Smoke the meatloaf at 225F for approximately two hours, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 140F.
5. Elevate the smoker temperature to 300F. Generously spread marinara sauce over the meatloaf, then lavishly top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Continue cooking until the internal temperature climbs to 160F and the cheese becomes gloriously melted and golden.
6. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the smoker and allow it to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and the loaf to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, then slice and serve while warm for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum juiciness and flavor in your meatloaf.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Use a light hand when combining ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatloaf texture.
• Cheese Placement Trick: Add mozzarella chunks inside the meatloaf for surprise melty pockets that enhance overall taste experience.
• Low and Slow Smoking: Maintain consistent low temperature during initial smoking phase to develop deep, rich smoky flavor without drying out the meat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal heat preference without compromising the recipe’s core flavors.
• Resting Ritual: Allow meatloaf to rest after cooking to help juices redistribute, ensuring each slice remains moist and tender.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg