Classic Smoked Meatloaf with a Twist

Ingredients

• Bacon (4 slices)
• Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon)
• Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Ketchup (1/2 cup)
• Egg (1 large)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup)
• Ground beef (2 pounds)

Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F. Ensure you have enough wood chips for the smoking process.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a wire rack. This helps in uniform cooking and easy handling of the meatloaf.
4. Wrap the bacon slices tightly around the meatloaf, securing them with toothpicks if needed. The bacon not only adds flavor, but also keeps the meatloaf moist during the smoking process.
5. Place the meatloaf on the smoker and cook for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
6. Remove the meatloaf from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, keeping it moist and flavorful.
7. Enjoy your delicious smoked meatloaf with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.