In the world of comfort food, there’s a star that shines brighter than a disco ball at a 70s party: the Traeger Pizza Meatloaf. Imagine sinking your teeth into a savory loaf that marries the classic flavors of pizza with the heartiness of meatloaf. The scent of melted cheese and zesty tomato sauce wafting through your kitchen will have your family gathering around like moths to a flame. Yes, this dish is not just food; it’s an experience that’ll make you feel like a culinary rock star! For more inspiration, check out this Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf recipe.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe
- How to Make Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What is a Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe?
- How do you cook Traeger Pizza Meatloaf?
- Can I customize my Traeger Pizza Meatloaf?
- How long does it take to make Traeger Pizza Meatloaf?
- Conclusion for Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe :
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, I remember the first time I attempted to make this culinary masterpiece. It was during one of those gloomy Sunday afternoons when my spirit needed a little pick-me-up. Armed with my trusty Traeger grill and an ambitious heart, I set out to create something magical. As I mixed ingredients and shaped the loaf, I couldn’t help but imagine how each slice would bring joy not just to my taste buds but to my entire family. And let me tell you, when they took their first bites, it was like watching fireworks on the Fourth of July!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Bursting with robust flavors and cheesy goodness, it’ll please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
- Its eye-catching presentation will impress your guests at any gathering, making it perfect for parties or casual dinners alike.
- Plus, this recipe allows for endless customization based on your favorite pizza toppings!
Ingredients for Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Aim for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy meatloaf that holds together well.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the meatloaf a light texture; regular breadcrumbs can work too.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts beautifully and adds gooey goodness.
- Pizza Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make homemade sauce for full flavor control.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme brings those classic pizza flavors right into your meatloaf.
For the Topping:
- Sliced Pepperoni: These little discs add a delightful crunch and authentic pizza flair to your meatloaf.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Traeger
Set your Traeger grill to smoke mode at around 225°F (107°C). Get that smoky goodness ready while you prepare the meatloaf.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and about half of the pizza sauce. Use your hands (yes, get messy) to mix until combined perfectly.
Step 3: Shape Your Loaf
Transfer the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shape it into a loaf about two inches thick—this isn’t an art class, but we want it looking decent!
Step 4: Sauce It Up
Spread the remaining pizza sauce over the top of your meatloaf generously. Then place sliced pepperoni on top as if you’re decorating a pizza masterpiece.
Step 5: Smoke That Beauty
Place the meatloaf on the grill grates of your preheated Traeger. Close the lid and let it smoke for about one hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked through, remove from grill and let it rest for about five minutes before slicing. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping—because why not?
This Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is now ready to rock your dinner table! Plate up those slices and watch as everyone dives in with gleeful anticipation!
You Must Know
- This Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe combines the comfort of traditional meatloaf with the smoky goodness of a Traeger grill.
- It’s a fun twist on a classic dish that will impress your dinner guests and family alike.
- Perfect for those cozy evenings or family gatherings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your meat and seasonings, then form into a loaf. Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F, placing the meatloaf directly on the grill grates. Smoke for about an hour, brushing with sauce during the last few minutes for optimal flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, and don’t shy away from adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Chicken Scampi with Garlic Rice.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist while heating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect texture, avoid overmixing the meat mixture; this keeps it tender.
- Use a thermometer to check doneness; aim for 160°F internal temperature.
- Allow resting time after cooking; this enhances flavors and juiciness.
One time, I made this Traeger Pizza Meatloaf for a potluck, and it was gone in minutes! My friends still ask me to make it whenever we gather—talk about delicious peer pressure!
FAQs :
What is a Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe?
The Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe combines the flavors of traditional meatloaf with delightful pizza toppings. This dish features ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a medley of pizza ingredients such as pepperoni, cheese, and marinara sauce. Sausage Cream Cheese Bites The result is a juicy, flavorful meatloaf cooked on a Traeger grill, imparting a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings where you want to impress your guests with something unique.
How do you cook Traeger Pizza Meatloaf?
To cook your Traeger Pizza Meatloaf, preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F. While it heats up, mix your ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings in a bowl. Fold in your favorite pizza toppings and shape the mixture into a loaf. Once the grill reaches temperature, place the meatloaf on the grill grate and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. This method ensures even cooking while adding that delicious smoky flavor.
Can I customize my Traeger Pizza Meatloaf?
Absolutely! One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. You can swap out meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings such as bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms to tailor it to your taste. Mediterranean Chicken Patties Additionally, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar to create various flavor profiles.
How long does it take to make Traeger Pizza Meatloaf?
The total time to prepare and cook your Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. This includes around 15-20 minutes for preparation and about 50-60 minutes of cooking time on the Traeger grill at 350°F. This timeframe allows the meatloaf to become fully cooked while absorbing all those delicious smoky flavors from the grill.
Conclusion for Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe :
In summary, the Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe offers an exciting twist on classic comfort food by combining meatloaf with popular pizza ingredients. Cooking it on a Traeger grill enhances its taste with a delightful smoky aroma. You can easily customize this dish by adding various pizza toppings or using alternative meats based on personal preferences. Enjoy this innovative recipe for a flavorful meal that will surely impress family and friends! For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Traeger Pizza Meatloaf combines the best of two beloved dishes: pizza and meatloaf. This hearty, flavorful loaf features juicy ground beef, gooey mozzarella cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni, all infused with a smoky flavor from the Traeger grill. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe will surely impress your guests and satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce (divided)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and half of the pizza sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf about two inches thick and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the remaining pizza sauce over the top and layer sliced pepperoni on top.
- Place the meatloaf directly on the grill grates and smoke for about one hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Remove from grill and let it rest for five minutes before slicing. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
