Smoked Beef Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Ground Beef (80% lean or leaner)
• 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Add wood chunks, chips, pellets or charcoal to smoker according to manufacturer's instructions. Preheat smoker to 350°F. 

2. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, pepper and salt in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape beef into a 10x5-inch loaf and place on smoker rack.

   Cook's Tip: Meatloaf should be about 2-inches thick for even cooking. 

3. Smoke 60 to 80 minutes depending on desired smoke flavor. Brush with remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. Smoke 10 minutes more or until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 160°F.

   Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

4. Carefully remove meatloaf from smoker. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut into slices.

   
   
   Cheddar Jalapeno Variation: 
   Prepare recipe as directed above, adding 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup chopped jalapeño.  
   

• Test Kitchen Tips Use a gentle touch with ground beef. Over-mixing will result in burgers, meatballs or meatloaves with a firm texture.