If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the hearty comfort of meatloaf and the saucy, cheesy allure of pizza, get ready for your taste buds to rejoice. Traeger Pizza Meatloaf combines the best of both beloved dishes into one smoky, savory masterpiece. Cooked low and slow on a Traeger wood pellet grill, this meatloaf isn’t just packed with flavor—it’s infused with that irresistible wood-fired essence that elevates every bite.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress at your next backyard cookout, this dish delivers nostalgia and innovation in equal measure. It’s meatloaf like you’ve never had it before—tender, juicy, loaded with melty cheese, savory Italian herbs, zesty pepperoni, and topped with classic marinara. Every slice tastes like a warm slice of pizza wrapped in smoky meatloaf comfort.
🔥 Why Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Is a Must-Try
- Smoky and flavorful – The Traeger grill gives this dish a delicious wood-fired aroma you can’t replicate in the oven.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike love this pizza-meets-meatloaf creation.
- Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings right into the loaf!
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare in advance and cook when ready.
- Comfort food with flair – Familiar flavors served in an unexpected way.
🍕 Ingredients for the Ultimate Pizza Meatloaf
You’ll need a blend of meatloaf basics, pizza toppings, and smoky BBQ flavor to bring this masterpiece together.
Meatloaf Base:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 works best for juiciness)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pizza-Inspired Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms or green bell pepper (optional)
Topping:
- 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sliced pepperoni or black olives for garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional for serving)
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Traeger
Preheat your Traeger pellet grill to 325°F. Use a mild wood like hickory, apple, or cherry for a flavorful smoke that complements the pizza profile without overpowering it.
Place a piece of parchment paper or foil on a baking sheet or a grill-safe meatloaf pan with holes for smoke to circulate.
🍖 Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, milk, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork the mixture or it can become tough.
Gently fold in the chopped pepperoni, mozzarella, and any optional veggies like bell pepper or mushrooms.
🍞 Step 3: Form the Loaf
Shape the mixture into a loaf shape (about 9×5 inches) on your prepared tray or pan. Make a slight well along the top to help hold the pizza sauce and toppings during cooking.
🔥 Step 4: Smoke the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf on the Traeger and close the lid. Smoke for 1 hour at 325°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
At this stage, the outside should start forming a smoky crust while staying juicy inside.
🍕 Step 5: Add the Pizza Toppings
Once the meatloaf hits 145°F, spread the pizza or marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and arrange extra pepperoni slices or other toppings.
Continue cooking until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the internal temp reaches 160°F (another 20–30 minutes).
🧼 Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the meatloaf from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices and makes slicing easier.
Slice thickly and serve with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Traeger Pizza Meatloaf pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted veggies (zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers)
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Garlic knots or crusty bread
- Cold beer or red wine like Zinfandel or Chianti
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through, or slice and pan-fry for crispy edges.
Pro Tip: Use leftovers in sandwiches or stuff into hoagie rolls with extra sauce and cheese for a pizza meatloaf sub!
🔄 Variations to Try
- Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper, spicy pepperoni, or jalapeños.
- BBQ twist: Mix in BBQ sauce instead of marinara for a smoky-sweet glaze.
- Supreme style: Add black olives, green peppers, mushrooms, and sausage.
- Cheese-stuffed: Hide a gooey layer of mozzarella inside the center of the loaf.
💬 Final Thoughts
Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is a fun and flavorful mash-up that takes two iconic comfort foods and turns them into something unforgettable. The smoky aroma from the grill, the melty mozzarella, the zesty pepperoni, and the rich, savory meatloaf come together in perfect harmony. It’s a meal that feels familiar but still manages to surprise and delight.
Whether you’re a Traeger veteran or just getting started with pellet grilling, this recipe is a foolproof way to bring excitement to your dinner routine. Fire up that grill, gather your favorite pizza toppings, and get ready for a smoky, saucy, cheesy slice of comfort that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.