Traeger Pizza Meatloaf

When it comes to combining the hearty comfort of meatloaf with the mouthwatering flavors of pizza, this Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Infused with the rich, smoky aroma of a Traeger grill, this dish takes the classic meatloaf to a whole new level. With a savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a cheesy, pepperoni-filled center, it brings all the beloved elements of pizza into a juicy, flavorful meatloaf.

This recipe is the perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods, making it ideal for family dinners, weekend barbecues, or any time you’re craving something hearty with a twist. The smoky grilled flavor, combined with the melty mozzarella and crispy pepperoni, makes each bite an unforgettable experience. Whether you serve it with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or just some crusty bread, this Traeger Pizza Meatloaf will quickly become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Pizza and Meatloaf in One – A delicious combination of two comfort food favorites, pizza and meatloaf, in one easy-to-make dish.
2. Smoky Flavor – Grilling on a Traeger infuses the meatloaf with a rich, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat.
3. Cheesy and Flavorful – With fresh mozzarella and pepperoni as the filling, each slice is packed with cheesy goodness.
4. Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love this unique twist on traditional meatloaf.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it great for leftovers or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Meat

• Ground beef (80/20)
• Italian sausage
• Eggs
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

Filling

• Pepperoni
• Fresh mozzarella
• San Marzano tomatoes (separated)
• Fresh basil

Sauce

• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic
• San Marzano tomatoes
• Salt
• Oregano
• Sugar (optional)

Variations

• Different Meats: Swap out the ground beef and sausage for turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based sausage and substitute the meat with lentils or veggie crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni for a bit of heat.
• More Cheese: Add more cheese in the filling or on top to make it extra cheesy.
• Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Traeger

Set your Traeger grill to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, slice the fresh mozzarella and set aside. Chop the pepperoni into small pieces. Take half of the San Marzano tomatoes, drain them, and chop them into smaller pieces. Set all these ingredients aside for the filling.

Step 4: Form the Meatloaf

On a sheet of parchment paper or a large plate, spread the meat mixture into a rectangle shape. Place the chopped pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, chopped tomatoes, and fresh basil in the center of the rectangle. Roll the meatloaf around the filling, making sure to seal the edges so the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking.

Step 5: Grill the Meatloaf

Place the stuffed meatloaf on the grill and cook for 45–50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The Traeger grill will impart a smoky flavor while ensuring the meatloaf stays moist.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

While the meatloaf is grilling, make the pizza sauce. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add fresh garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the remaining San Marzano tomatoes, salt, oregano, and sugar (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Serve

Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the homemade pizza sauce on the side or drizzle it over the top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked through to 160°F (71°C).
• Rest the Meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Use High-Quality Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella adds a wonderful creaminess to the meatloaf, but you can use shredded mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add more or less of the filling ingredients, depending on your preferences.
• Avoid Overmixing: Be gentle when mixing the meat mixture to avoid a tough meatloaf.

How to Serve

• With Pasta: Serve the meatloaf slices with a side of spaghetti or other pasta to complete the pizza theme.
• With Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any sauce left on the plate.
• Salad: Pair with a fresh Caesar or mixed green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pizza Style: Top with extra mozzarella and fresh basil for an added pizza-inspired twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this meatloaf before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, wrap the unbaked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze after cooking, slice the meatloaf, wrap the slices, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Serve with warm pizza sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I make this without a Traeger grill?

Yes! You can bake the meatloaf in a standard oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?

Yes, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor will be a bit leaner.

3. What kind of sausage should I use?

Use Italian sausage (mild or spicy) for the best flavor, but you can substitute with any sausage you prefer.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the edges of the meatloaf tightly when rolling it up, and avoid overstuffing it.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the meatloaf?

Yes, feel free to add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for more flavor.

7. What if I don’t have fresh basil?

You can use dried basil, or substitute with fresh oregano or parsley.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or fontina would also work well.

9. How long will the leftovers last?

Leftovers will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

10. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it.

Conclusion

This Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is the perfect dish for anyone who loves pizza and meatloaf alike. The smoky flavor from the Traeger grill, combined with the savory meats, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni filling, makes every bite a deliciously unique experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any pizza lover!

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