Meatloaf has always been a staple in my household, but have you ever considered giving it a smoky makeover? By introducing it to the smoker and including the rich flavor of bacon, we’re taking this traditional dish to a new level. This isn’t just your typical meatloaf; it’s a culinary experience waiting to be explored.

This smoked meatloaf is made with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, aromatic onions, and a medley of spices; this meatloaf is anything but ordinary. Adding tomato paste lends a tangy depth, while Worcestershire sauce adds that umami kick. But the real star here is crumbled, cooked bacon that intertwines with the beef, ensuring every bite is a balanced blend of flavors.

Ingredients you’ll need

Before we plunge into the cooking method, let’s familiarize ourselves with the key ingredients in this dish:

Ground Beef: The basis of our meatloaf, providing a hearty base.

Cooked Bacon: Adding a smoky, decadent layer to the meatloaf’s profile.

Soft Panko Breadcrumbs: Giving our meatloaf structure and a delicate crunch.

Onions: Finely chopped, these add a touch of sweetness and texture.

Tomato Paste: For that tangy undertone that balances out the richness.

Garlic Powder, Salt, & Pepper: The basic seasonings elevate the flavors.

Worcestershire Sauce: A splash for that deep, savory note.

Barbecue Sauce: A dual-purpose ingredient used in the mixture and as a glaze.

The Magic Behind Smoked Meatloaf:

Bacon’s Richness: Incorporating cooked bacon adds a smoky depth and a delightful texture that complements the meatloaf.

Simple Ingredients, Grand Result: Ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and our special ingredient – bacon, come together to form a dish that’s both familiar and novel.

A Smoker’s Touch: The slow cooking in a smoker infuses the meatloaf with a distinctive flavor profile that’s hard to achieve in an oven.

A Dish for All Occasions: Perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or even a holiday occasion, this smoked meatloaf is versatile and always a hit.

Variations to Spice Things Up:

1. Meat Medley: While beef is a traditional choice, consider blending it with ground lamb or pork for a richer flavor profile. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a leaner version.
2. Herb Infusion: Fresh basil or oregano can be added to the mix for a Mediterranean take. Consider adding a touch of ground cumin or coriander for a more aromatic flavor.
3. Sweet and Spicy: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the mix for a hint of sweetness. Consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.
4. Cheesy Core: Stuff the center of your meatloaf with blue cheese or feta cubes. The cheese will melt as it smokes, giving you a gooey, flavorful center.
5. Bacon Wrap: Instead of adding bacon bits, why not wrap the meatloaf in a bacon weave? This not only adds flavor but also keeps the meatloaf moist.
6. Veggie Boost: Mix in finely grated carrots or zucchini. It’s a sneaky way to add veggies and provides moisture to the meatloaf.
7. Global Twist: For an Asian-inspired version, add some soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the mixture. Top with teriyaki glaze instead of BBQ sauce.

Perfect Pairings:

1. Potato Delights:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes mashed with roasted garlic cloves.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A sweet and savory side baked to perfection.

2. Veggies:

• Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy bacon bits.
• Honey-Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed with honey and butter.
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Fresh asparagus spears grilled and finished with a drizzle of lemon zest.

3. Breads:

• Herb Focaccia: A soft, olive oil-rich bread aromatized with rosemary and thyme.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and savory muffins that pair flawlessly with the smokiness of the meatloaf.

4. Salads:

• Classic Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
• Apple Walnut Salad: Mixed greens with sliced apples, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

5. Drinks:

• Craft Beers: Opt for a smoky porter or a robust stout to complement the tastes.
• Wines: A full-bodied red wine like a Shiraz or a Malbec pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the meatloaf.

Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

Upgrade your dinner game with our Bacon-Infused Smoked Meatloaf. Melding classical flavors with a bacon twist, this isn’t just another meatloaf—it’s a statement dish for your table. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: 2 pounds
• Cooked Bacon: 1 cup, crumbled
• Eggs: 2
• Soft Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
• Onions: 1 cup, finely chopped
• Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Barbecue Sauce: 1/2 cup (divided)

Instructions

• Preparation: Start by mixing the ground beef, crumbled bacon, eggs, onions, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the barbecue sauce in a large bowl. Ensure all ingredients are well-combined.
• Shaping: Once mixed, mold the mixture into a loaf shape.
• Smoking Time: Preheat your smoker to 250F. Place your meatloaf inside and let it smoke for 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Finishing Touch: After the initial smoking, glaze the meatloaf with the remaining barbecue sauce and smoke for an additional 10 minutes.
• Rest and Serve: Once done, let your meatloaf rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This ensures all the juices are locked in.

Ready to become the meatloaf maestro among your Pinterest friends? Pin the image below and let the ‘loaf love’ spread!

Ahead-of-Time Preparation:

If you’re a planner, you can mix the meatloaf ingredients and shape the loaf a day before. Store it in the fridge, covered. If you’re considering even further ahead, freeze the uncooked meatloaf. Just ensure you store it in a freezer-safe air-tight container and use it within three months.

Expert Tips for the Best Smoked Meatloaf:

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just enough to incorporate everything while combining the ingredients. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
• Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is perfectly cooked.
• Direct Grate Cooking: Place your meatloaf directly on the smoker grates for an even smoky flavor.
• Resting is Key: Letting the meatloaf rest after smoking ensures juiciness and makes slicing easier.

There’s a certain charm in smoked food. The aroma, the layers of flavor, and the joy of the method itself. And when it comes to smoked beef short ribs, that charm takes on a whole new dimension. To boost this culinary experience, we’ve presented a spicy twist: this Louisiana hot sauce.

This addition infuses the short ribs with a fiery kick, completing a harmonious blend of smoky and spicy flavors. If you’ve been on the quest for a dish that combines the rich tradition of smoking with the boldness of Louisiana cuisine, you’re in for a treat.

Why You’ll Relish These Smoked Beef Short Ribs:

Deep Smoky Undertones: Thanks to the particular smoking process of beef short ribs, every bite offers a genuine smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate.

Fiery Louisiana Twist: The hot sauce doesn’t just add warmth; it introduces a depth of flavor, making each rib a spicy treat.

Melt-in-the-Mouth Texture: Slow and steady wins the race. The ribs are smoked to perfection, ensuring they’re fall-off-the-bone tender.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a family dinner, these ribs promise to steal the show.

Perfect Balance: The blend of smoky, spicy, and savory ensures a well-rounded flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced.

Variations to Try:

Sweet and Spicy: Swap out half of the Louisiana hot sauce for a sweet chili sauce. This gives a delightful sweet-spicy balance to your short ribs.

Herb Infusion: Add finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix for an aromatic twist.

Tangy Twist: Introduce a splash of lime or lemon juice to the barbecue sauce for a zesty finish.

Extra Heat: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning for those who love an extra kick.

Asian Flair: Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the barbecue sauce mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an Asian-inspired variation.

Mediterranean Mood: Add some crushed fennel seeds and a hint of oregano to the seasoning. Once cooked, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Smoky Depth: Introduce a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the barbecue and hot sauce mixture, further improving the smoky profile.

Creamy Finish: After smoking, brush the ribs with a blend of barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream. This gives a creamy texture and a tangy taste to the ribs.

Smoked Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Venture into the smoking world with a recipe that stands out. These beef short ribs, enriched with the boldness of Louisiana hot sauce, offer a unique blend of flavors. From the gentle smokiness to the specific spicy undertone, every bite is an experience. 

Ingredients:

• Beef Short Ribs: 1 rack 4-6 pieces
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 3 Tbsp (for spritzing)
• Barbecue Sauce: ½ cup
• Louisiana Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons (or adjust according to your heat preference)

For the Seasoning Mixture:

• Paprika: 2 Tbsp
• Kosher Salt: 1 Tbsp
• Black Pepper: 1 Tbsp
• Garlic Powder: 1 ½ tsp

Instructions

• Preparation: Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. Trim any membranes or excess fat from the short ribs.
• Seasoning: Mix together the seasoning ingredients and rub onto both sides of your short ribs. Let them rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
• Smoking Time: Place the ribs in the smoker. Smoke for 3-4 hours, spritzing with apple cider vinegar every 30 minutes. Continue until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 200-205 degrees F.
• Final Touch: In the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with a mix of barbecue sauce and Louisiana hot sauce.
• Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for at least 20-30 minutes before serving.

Did you like your smoked beef short ribs? Share the love and the taste! Pin the image below to your Pinterest and let your followers get a hint of this smoky sensation! 

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Smoked Beef Short Ribs:

• Choose Quality Ribs: Always opt for fresh, high-quality beef short ribs. They might be a bit more expensive, but the flavor and texture returns are worth it.
• Bone-In vs. Boneless: While both types are good, bone-in ribs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. The bone also serves as a heat conductor, ensuring even cooking.
• Temperature Matters: Use a trustworthy meat thermometer to ensure your ribs reach the preferred internal temperature. This ensures they’re cooked perfectly and safe to eat.
• Let Them Rest: After smoking, allow your ribs to rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This ensures the juices redistribute, causing the meat even more succulent.
• Spritz Regularly: Regularly spritzing the ribs with apple cider vinegar or apple juice aids in keeping them moist and adds a subtle flavor.
• Avoid Over-smoking: While we adore that smoky flavor, there’s a fine line between just right and over-smoked. Keep an eye on your wood chips and ensure a steady, thin stream of smoke.
• Customize Your Wood: Various kinds of wood impart different flavors. To find your favorite, experiment with hickory, mesquite, cherry, or apple wood chips.
• Sauce Application: If you add sauce, do so during the last 30 minutes of smoking. This stops the sauce from burning but allows it to caramelize beautifully.
• Clean Your Grill: A clean grill ensures even heat distribution and prevents any old residues from tainting the flavor of your ribs.

Air Fryer Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is what’s on the menu today. Think of a stuffed and tender pork loin crisped up just right in your air fryer. But the real magic is inside; there’s a blend that will surprise you: Philadelphia Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese Spread, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and maybe another flavorful ingredient you’ve got in mind.

Add a smear of Dijon Mustard, a bit of Cayenne Pepper for heat, and a handful of Shredded Cheddar Cheese. Oh, and let’s not forget those fresh and crisp Asparagus spears peeking out. Sounds great, right? Let’s walk you through how to make this delicious dish.

Ingredients you’ll need

Pork Tenderloin: Of course, it’s the star of our dish. It’s tender and juicy, and when air-fried, it gets this lovely outer crisp while maintaining the inside juiciness. It’s the canvas for all the other tastes we’re adding.

Philadelphia Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese Spread (or any other you prefer): This isn’t just any spread. It’s creamy, filled with herbs, and adds a depth of flavor that complements the pork amazingly. Think of it as the top-secret sauce that makes other ingredients stand out.

Sun-dried Tomatoes: These little jewels are tangy and slightly sweet. They bring an eruption of Mediterranean flavor to the dish, adding texture and a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.

Dijon Mustard: A bit of sharpness and zest. It’s not overwhelming, but it provides the dish with a slight kick, ensuring each bite has a hint of excitement.

Cayenne Pepper: Just a sprinkle for heat. It’s not about making the dish to spicy but rather adding a bit of warmth that lingers in the background.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Who doesn’t love cheese? It melts into the pork tenderloin, adding a gooey, creamy texture and a rich flavor that connects everything together.

Asparagus: Freshness is essential in any dish. The asparagus delivers a crunchy contrast to the pork tenderloins and creamy filling. Also, it adds a nice hue, making the dish as attractive to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Filling Variations for Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Looking to switch things with your stuffed pork tenderloin up a bit? Here are some comforting filling variations to boost your stuffed pork tenderloin:

Mediterranean Twist: Apply a layer of pesto sauce, followed by sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and sliced olives. This brings out a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your plate.

Sweet & Savory: Spread a thin layer of apple butter or fig jam inside your pork, then add crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts. The blend of sweet and savory is truly appetizing.

Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and a bit of chili flakes for those who love a touch of heat in their meal.

Garden Fresh: Add a layer of herb-infused cream cheese, then add thinly sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. This variation is lighter and filled with veggies.

Tropical Flair: Use a mango or pineapple salsa blended with a sprinkle of shredded coconut and a touch of cilantro. This offers a sweet and tangy tropical twist to the pork tenderloin.

Mushroom Medley: Sauté a mixture of mushrooms (like cremini, shiitake, and portobello) with garlic and thyme. Apply this mixture inside the tenderloin for a decadent, earthy flavor.

Bacon Bliss: Cook bacon strips in your pan until they’re crispy. Crumble and incorporate them with cheddar or gouda cheese—the smoky bacon flavor couples wonderfully with your pork.

Keep in mind, the key to a wonderful stuffed pork tenderloin is to balance flavors and textures. Feel free to mix and match or come up with your own exceptional fillings!

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Cooking Time

In total, you’ll be cooking your pork tenderloin for 18-20 minutes in the Air Fryer.

1. Preheat your Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook your pork tenderloin for 10 minutes.
3. After 10 minutes, flip the pork and lightly spray it with cooking oil.
4. Resume cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes.
5. Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 F and the cheese inside is melted.

Reheating Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer:

1. Set your Air Fryer to 375F.
2. Cook the pork tenderloin for 3-5 minutes.
3. Enjoy a crisp exterior, similar to oven-reheated outcomes. Avoid microwaves for this dish to prevent sogginess.

Air Fryer Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe

This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin isn’t just any dish; it’s a flavor-filled adventure. Perfectly air-fried with delightful stuffing, it’s destined to be the star of your table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork Tenderloin
• 7.5 oz of Herb Cream Cheese Spread (Philadelphia Garlic & Herb or other you like)
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 Tbsp of Dijon Mustard
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 3 Tbsp of sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper

Instructions

• Butterfly the Pork: Slice your pork tenderloin lengthwise, but not all the way through. The pork should open up like a book or a hot dog bun.
• Layer the Fillings: With the inside of the pork facing upward, spread herb-infused cream cheese evenly. Add shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer.
• Add Veggies: Place your sun-dried tomatoes and trimmed asparagus on top of the cheese layers.
• Secure the Pork: Fold the pork back over and use toothpicks to keep it closed. Cut it in half if it’s too long for your air fryer. Then, brush the outside of your pork with Dijon mustard.
• Seasoning Time: In a dish, mix cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Roll the pork in this mix, pressing gently so the seasonings stick.
• Air Fryer Prep: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and pre-heat for 5 minutes. Place the filled and seasoned pork in your air fryer basket. 
• Cooking: Cook for 10 minutes, then flip your pork tenderloin, spray the other side with oil, and cook for additional 8-10 minutes. Ensure the pork’s internal temperature is 145 degrees and the cheese inside melts. Enjoy!

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More Air-Fryer Recipes to Explore

Air Fryer Pork Steak Recipe: Dive into a juicy pork steak, air-fried to perfection, seizing all its raw juices and flavors.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast: No need to thaw your chicken! Transform frozen chicken breasts into a tender and delicious meal with the magic of your air fryer.

Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. These chicken wings are a game-changer for those with spontaneous hunger.

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower: Turn modest cauliflower into golden, crunchy bites: a comforting side or a snack on its own.

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Brats: Get that grilled texture and taste with ease. Flawlessly cooked brats in no time.

Air-Fryer Salmon Bites in Pineapple Bowl: A tropical delight! Flaky salmon bites are served in a fresh pineapple bowl, bringing summer to your dish.

Juicy & Tender Air-Fryer Ribs: Who needs a barbecue? Achieve melt-in-your-mouth ribs with a lovely crust, all from your air fryer.