You know, sometimes you just want something hearty and comforting for dinner, right? But the thought of spending hours in the kitchen can be a real buzzkill, especially when you’ve got hungry little mouths waiting. That’s where my Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe For Families comes in! Forget those dry, bland meatloaves of the past. We’re talking about a flavor explosion here. I started messing around with this idea years ago, trying to find a way to make weeknight dinners exciting without all the fuss. Taking that classic meatloaf combo and giving it a pizza-inspired twist, then cooking it up on the Traeger? Pure genius, if I do say so myself! It’s become a weekend staple in my house, and the kids absolutely devour it every single time. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe For Families
Seriously, this meatloaf is a game-changer for a few reasons:
- So Easy, So Delicious: It’s honestly one of the simplest dinners you can whip up. Just mix, shape, and let the Traeger do the hard work!
- Family Favorite Guaranteed: Who doesn’t love pizza? And who doesn’t love meatloaf? Combining them means happy eaters all around, even the picky ones.
- That Traeger Smokiness: Cooking it on the grill gives it this amazing, subtle smoky flavor that you just can’t get in the oven. It takes it to a whole new level!
- Busy Night Savior: You can even prep the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and just pop it on the grill when dinner time rolls around. So clutch!
Gather Your Ingredients for Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf, you’ll need a few things. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.
Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 2 pounds ground beef: I usually go for an 80/20 blend – it gives the best flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Panko or regular plain breadcrumbs work great. They’re like the glue that holds everything together!
- 1/2 cup milk: This helps keep the meatloaf nice and tender. Whole milk is my go-to.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: Finely chopped is best so you don’t get big chunks. You can even use a food processor if you want it super fine.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds this lovely salty, nutty kick. Seriously, don’t skip the good stuff!
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: For that classic Italian herb vibe.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Goes perfectly with the oregano.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because… garlic! It adds another layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a good pinch of each to make sure all those flavors pop!
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: This is where the pizza magic really starts! Use your favorite jarred sauce. For another fun idea, check out this garlicky brown sugar chicken recipe for inspiration on flavor combos.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gotta have that melty cheese on top, right?
See? Nothing too wild, but these simple ingredients come together to make something truly special.
Essential Equipment for Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
To make this fabulous pizza meatloaf, you don’t need anything super fancy. Just your basic kitchen lineup!
- A big mixing bowl – the kind you can really get your hands into.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting those proportions just right.
- A baking sheet – I like one with a slight lip so nothing escapes.
- A good meat thermometer – this is key to making sure it’s perfectly cooked without drying out.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
Alright, folks, let’s get down to the fun part – making this incredible pizza meatloaf! It’s actually super simple, and honestly, the Traeger does most of the heavy lifting. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a dinner winner on your hands. Think of it like building a delicious flavor tower, layer by yummy layer. It’s so much easier than a fussy casserole, kind of like how this hamburger and potato casserole is straightforward, but this meatloaf has an extra special smoky twist!
Preheating Your Traeger Grill for the Perfect Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
First things first, we need to get that Traeger fired up and ready to go! We’re aiming for a nice, steady 350°F (175°C). This temperature is pretty much perfect for meatloaf because it cooks it through evenly without drying it out too quickly, and it gives the cheese a chance to get nice and melty and maybe even a little bubbly. Make sure your grill is clean too, so nothing sticks!
Mixing the Meatloaf Base
Now for the actual meatloaf part! Grab your biggest mixing bowl. Toss in the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, that finely chopped onion, that wonderful Parmesan cheese, your eggs, and all those lovely dried herbs and spices – oregano, basil, garlic powder, along with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Here’s my little secret: mix everything with your hands, but *gently*! You want to combine it just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, and nobody wants that. It should just look like it’s all holding together nicely. If you’re not sure, just give it a light mix and then shape it – you’ll feel if it’s ready!
Shaping and Assembling Your Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
Time to give our meatloaf its fantastic shape! Gently form the mixture into a nice, handsome loaf right on your baking sheet. You can also put it directly on the grill grates if you’re feeling brave, but a baking sheet makes cleanup way easier. Once it’s shaped, smear that delicious pizza sauce evenly all over the top. Make sure you get it right to the edges! Then, sprinkle that shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce. It’s going to get all melty and gooey while it cooks. It’s almost as satisfying as making a great Taco Mac casserole!
Grilling to Perfection: Achieving the Ideal Internal Temperature
Now, slide that beautiful creation onto your preheated Traeger. We’re going to let it grill for about 50 to 60 minutes. The magic number here is an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You *really* want to use a meat thermometer for this. Just stick it into the thickest part of the meatloaf. It’s the best way to ensure it’s cooked through safely and perfectly, not a moment too soon or too late.
The Crucial Resting Period for Your Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
Okay, it’s cooked and looks amazing, but HOLD ON! Before you slice into it, you HAVE to let it rest. Seriously, this step is non-negotiable! Let it sit on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This allows all those wonderful juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf. If you slice it too soon, all that flavor will just run out onto the pan, and you’ll end up with a sad, dry slice. Patience, my friends!
Tips for the Best Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about how to take your Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf from great to absolutely mind-blowing. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years, and trust me, they make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to play around a little; that’s part of the fun!
First off, let’s talk toppings! The basic pizza sauce and mozzarella are fantastic on their own, but if you want to jazz it up, go for it. Mini pepperoni slices are always a huge hit with my kids. You could also add some finely chopped mushrooms or green peppers mixed right into the meatloaf mixture, or even sprinkle them on top under the cheese. Just make sure they’re small so they cook through. Think of it like a flavor-packed party.
Want that little extra crisp on top? After about 40 minutes of grilling, if your cheese is looking good and bubbly but you want a little more char, just switch your Traeger to the ‘Broil’ setting (if it has one) for the last 5 minutes, or carefully move the meatloaf to a hotter part of the grill for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it, though – you don’t want burnt cheese!
And a pro tip for even cooking: if your meatloaf is looking way more browned on one side than the other, just carefully rotate that baking sheet halfway through. This ensures everything cooks nice and evenly. It’s the little things, you know? For more amazing flavor ideas, you should totally check out this bruschetta chicken pasta recipe – it’s got that fresh, vibrant taste I love!
Storing and Reheating Your Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
So, let’s say you’ve got some of this glorious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf leftover (which is a rare and wonderful thing!). Don’t you worry, it’s just as delicious the next day, maybe even better! Pop the leftovers into an airtight container and pop ’em in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze some for a future me-time meal, wrap it up super tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and it should be good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate and zap it for a minute or two until it’s warmed through. Or, pop it in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes – that’s my favorite way to get it nice and warm without getting rubbery!
Frequently Asked Questions about Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
Got questions about this deliciousness? I totally get it! It’s a bit of a mashup, so here are some things folks often ask:
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
You sure can! The beauty of this Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe For Families is that you can totally mix up the meatloaf mixture the day before. Just keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, shape it, top it, and grill away. It might take a few extra minutes to cook since it’s starting out cold, so keep that meat thermometer handy!
What other toppings work well?
Oh, experiment away! Besides pepperoni (which is a must for some families!), you could try adding some thinly sliced olives, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or even some finely chopped bell peppers mixed *under* the cheese. Just remember to keep the pieces small so they cook through nicely. It’s your pizza, your rules!
Can I bake this in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If the grill isn’t an option, no worries. Just bake it in a regular oven at the same temperature, 350°F (175°C), on a baking sheet. It’ll likely take about the same amount of time, around 50-60 minutes, until it hits that 160°F internal temp. You might not get that smoky flavor, but it’ll still be super yummy. You could even try broiling it for the last few minutes to get that cheesy top a little melty and browned, kind of like how you’d finish a quick casserole like this hobo casserole.
Nutritional Information (Estimate)
Just a little heads-up, this info is an estimate because, you know, cooking is an art, not an exact science! The actual numbers can change depending on your specific ingredients and how big you slice your wonderful Traeger Pizza Meatloaf. But as a general idea, one serving is usually around:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g (including about 10g saturated fat)
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
It’s a hearty meal, perfect for refueling after a long day!
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Traeger Pizza Meatloaf
- Total Time: 75 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful meatloaf recipe cooked on a Traeger grill, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, Parmesan cheese, eggs, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet or directly on the grill grates.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce.
- Grill for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms.
- For a crispier crust, you can broil the meatloaf for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Traeger, pizza meatloaf, family recipe, grilled meatloaf, easy dinner, ground beef