Description
A smoky twist on a classic comfort food, this Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is packed with flavor. Stuffed with gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and basil, then topped with a rich tomato sauce, it’s everything you love about pizza — in meatloaf form!
Ingredients
Meat Mixture:
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2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
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1 pound Italian sausage
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2 eggs
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1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon salt
Filling:
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12 slices pepperoni
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4 slices fresh mozzarella
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3–4 San Marzano tomatoes, sliced (from the 28oz can)
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4 fresh basil leaves
Sauce:
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1/8 cup olive oil
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1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
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Remaining San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon oregano
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1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat your Traeger or pellet grill to 275°F (135°C).
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In a large bowl, mix ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, breadcrumbs, seasoning, and salt until just combined.
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Split the meat mixture in half. Shape the first half into a flat oval on a parchment-lined tray.
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Layer pepperoni, mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves in the center.
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Flatten the second half of the meat mixture and lay it over the top, sealing the edges to form a loaf.
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Place on the grill and cook for 1 hour at 275°F.
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Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, salt, oregano, and optional sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes.
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After 1 hour of cooking, brush some sauce on the meatloaf, increase heat to 300°F, and cook for another 30–45 minutes until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining sauce.
Notes
You can substitute shredded mozzarella if slices aren’t available.
Add crushed red pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
Use leaner ground beef if you prefer less fat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American