There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about meatloaf—it’s the comfort food that often sparks memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. However, if you think meatloaf can’t be exciting, think again! I’ve discovered a delightful twist that transforms the traditional recipe: enter the Grilled Meatloaf. This unique technique not only enhances the flavor, but it also adds a smoky char that elevates the classic dish to a whole new level.
As I was lighting up the grill one sunny afternoon, a wave of inspiration hit me. With a few basic ingredients—ground beef, pork, and a blend of seasonings—I whipped up a meatloaf that was nothing short of spectacular. The moment the meatloaf sizzled on the grill and those incredible aromas wafted through my backyard, I knew I had stumbled onto something special. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself to a hearty meal, this Grilled Meatloaf is sure to please. Join me in making this crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to assemble and bursting with flavor!
Why will you love Grilled Meatloaf?
Comforting, Nostalgic Flavor: This recipe brings the warmth of classic meatloaf but with a delightful smoky twist from the grill.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can master this dish and impress family and friends alike.
Juicy and Flavorful: The combination of beef and pork creates a moist, flavorful loaf that melts in your mouth.
Unique Grilling Technique: Achieve that perfect crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy—way better than the oven!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, this dish is sure to wow your guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Transform your dinner routine with this unforgettable Grilled Meatloaf that promises to bring smiles at your table!
Grilled Meatloaf Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
• 1 lb ground beef – offers a rich, hearty flavor that forms the base of your meatloaf.
• 1 lb ground pork – adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
• ½ yellow onion grated – infuses a mild onion flavor while keeping the texture smooth.
• 4 cloves garlic minced – brings a fragrant punch that elevates the flavor profile of the meatloaf.
• ½ cup saltine cracker – serves as a binder, keeping your meatloaf perfectly textured and easy to slice.
• 2 eggs – helps to hold everything together, ensuring a cohesive loaf.
• ¼ cup ketchup – adds a hint of sweetness and tang to the meat mixture.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – introduces a layer of complexity with its gentle spice.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – enhances umami flavor and provides depth to your meatloaf.
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce – adds a kick of heat; adjust according to your taste.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – offers a slight bite that complements the richness of the meat.
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves – imparts an earthy aroma, pairing beautifully with the meat.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley – provides a light, herby note to balance the dish.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – adds a fresh touch and vibrant color when serving.
For The Glaze:
• 1 cup ketchup – it serves as the delicious base for your glaze, offering a familiar sweetness.
• ½ cup brown sugar – adds caramelized sweetness, creating a beautiful glaze that enhances the meatloaf’s flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – mirrors the flavor in the meat and ties the glaze together.
• 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar – brings acidity to the glaze, cutting through the sweetness for balance.
Fire up your grill and let your Grilled Meatloaf come alive with these ingredients that promise to delight your palate!
How to Make Grilled Meatloaf
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Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients. Mix well until evenly blended—you want every bite to be full of flavor!
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Shape Loaves: Form the mixture into two loaves, approximately 4” x 6” and about 2” thick. This shape helps them cook evenly on the grill.
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Preheat Grill: Set your grill for indirect cooking, heating it to 375-400°F. Turn on half of the burners and leave the other half off for perfect grilling.
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Sear Loaves: Place the formed meatloaf directly on the heated side of the grill for 3-5 minutes per side. This step creates a lovely crust, locking in those delicious juices.
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Transfer to Indirect Heat: Move the loaves to the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes. This allows them to become tender and juicy.
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Prepare the Glaze: While the loaves are cooking, whisk together all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside—the glaze will be a delightful finish!
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Glaze the Meatloaf: After 20-25 minutes, flip the meatloaves and spread half of the glaze over each. Close the lid and continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
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Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the grill and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining glaze for that extra kick!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch just before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Meatloaf loaves are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can combine the meatloaf mixture, form it into loaves, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring that your meatloaf is just as delicious as when made fresh. If you’re looking to prep even further in advance, you can freeze the shaped loaves (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months; just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill as instructed, applying the glaze in the final stages of cooking for that signature, mouthwatering finish. Enjoy the time-saving benefits of this delightful recipe!
How to Store and Freeze Grilled Meatloaf
Room Temperature:: It’s best to serve grilled meatloaf right after cooking, but if leftover, store it at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
Fridge:: Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its juicy flavor.
Freezer:: For longer storage, slice the grilled meatloaf, wrap each slice securely, and freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can easily pull out a portion whenever cravings hit!
Reheating:: To reheat, place the thawed slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy your delicious grilled meatloaf once again!
Expert Tips for Grilled Meatloaf
Prepping Meat: Use a blend of beef and pork to create a juicy grilled meatloaf; avoid using only lean cuts, as they may dry out during grilling.
Don’t Rush the Sear: Let the meatloaf form a crust on direct heat for 3-5 minutes per side to trap those flavorful juices—this step makes all the difference!
Check Temperature: Always monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure your grilled meatloaf is safe and perfectly cooked at 160°F.
Resting Time: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling; this helps retain the juices and makes slicing easier and cleaner.
Wrap It Up: Consider wrapping the meatloaf in foil while resting to keep it warm; this way, it retains moisture until you’re ready to serve.
Enjoy making your grilled meatloaf—even small tweaks can lead to a truly memorable dish!
What to Serve with Grilled Meatloaf?
Transform your dinner into a complete and hearty feast with delightful pairings that will enhance your grilled masterpiece.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture and buttery flavor of mashed potatoes create a perfect balance with the flavorful meatloaf, making every bite a comfort classic.
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Roasted Vegetables: Freshly roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and zucchini add a delightful caramelized sweetness. Their vibrant colors will also brighten up your plate beautifully!
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Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread provides a crunchy texture and packed flavor to soak up any extra glaze. Perfect for those who enjoy every last drop!
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Coleslaw: A tangy, crisp coleslaw cuts through the richness of the meatloaf, offering a refreshing crunch that complements the dish beautifully.
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Baked Beans: The smoky sweetness of baked beans pairs wonderfully with meatloaf, bringing a classic backyard barbecue vibe right to your kitchen table.
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Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette adds a fresh, light touch that balances the heartiness of the grilled meatloaf.
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Apple Pie: There’s nothing like a warm slice of apple pie with its perfect blend of sweetness and spice for dessert after a comforting meatloaf dinner.
Elevate your meal by trying out these delicious sides and desserts that will leave everyone at your table smiling!
Grilled Meatloaf Variations
Feel free to mix things up—there’s so much more to explore with this classic dish!
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Turkey Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option. Season well to prevent it from becoming dry.
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Vegetarian Delight: Use crumbled tempeh or lentils instead of meat for a satisfying meatless loaf. Consider adding veggies for extra flavor and texture.
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Cheese-Stuffed: Create a cheesy surprise by placing your favorite cheese block in the center before shaping the meatloaf. You’ll love the oozy surprise when you slice in!
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a generous spoonful of sriracha to the meat mixture for a fiery flavor boost. Perfect for spice lovers!
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BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup in the glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce for smoky sweetness. This twist adds a whole new layer of flavor.
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Mediterranean Flare: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped olives, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired meatloaf. Serve with a side of tzatziki for a refreshing complement.
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Gluten-Free: Swap saltine crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats to achieve the same binding effect without the gluten. Enjoy the same great taste!
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Herbed Citrus: Infuse fresh herbs like basil or cilantro along with some zest of lemon or lime for a refreshing brightness. Your taste buds will dance with joy!
Grilled Meatloaf Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for my Grilled Meatloaf?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose fresh ground beef and pork with a good amount of fat (around 80/20 ratio) for moisture. When selecting onions, look for firm, smooth skins without dark spots. Fresh garlic should be plump and have a tight skin, while parsley should be bright green, not wilted.
How should I store leftover Grilled Meatloaf?
To maintain its flavor and moisture, wrap your grilled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 3 days. If it’s longer than that, consider freezing it to preserve its delicious taste.
Can I freeze my Grilled Meatloaf?
Very! You can freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just slice it into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil tightly, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed!
What should I do if my meatloaf falls apart while grilling?
If your grilled meatloaf crumbles, it might be due to not enough binding ingredients or overmixing. Next time, ensure you use enough eggs and cracker crumbs. If it does fall apart while grilling, try to carefully press it together on the grill and check the temperature to ensure it’s cooked properly.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies with this recipe?
Indeed! This Grilled Meatloaf contains common allergens such as eggs and gluten (from the crackers), so be cautious if you or your guests have any food sensitivities. As for pets, it isn’t recommended to share grilled meatloaf due to ingredients like garlic and onions, which can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always consult your veterinarian regarding pet diets.
How can I ensure my Grilled Meatloaf stays juicy?
Great question! To keep your meatloaf juicy, mix the ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. Make sure to sear on direct heat to lock in juices, then transfer to indirect heat for thorough cooking. Using a combination of ground beef and pork also helps maintain moisture!
Grilled Meatloaf: Juicy Flavor with a Smoky Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients. Mix well until evenly blended—you want every bite to be full of flavor!
- Form the mixture into two loaves, approximately 4” x 6” and about 2” thick. This shape helps them cook evenly on the grill.
- Set your grill for indirect cooking, heating it to 375-400°F. Turn on half of the burners and leave the other half off for perfect grilling.
- Place the formed meatloaf directly on the heated side of the grill for 3-5 minutes per side. This step creates a lovely crust, locking in those delicious juices.
- Move the loaves to the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes. This allows them to become tender and juicy.
- While the loaves are cooking, whisk together all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside—the glaze will be a delightful finish!
- After 20-25 minutes, flip the meatloaves and spread half of the glaze over each. Close the lid and continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Once done, remove the meatloaf from the grill and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining glaze for that extra kick!