By This Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
MEATLOAF:
2 pounds ground beef (at least 85/15 fat content)
½ cup panko bread crumbs
½ medium red onion (grated)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 eggs (lightly beaten)
2 Tablespoons Jack Daniels whiskey
2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub (or your favorite beef or steak seasoning)
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup milk
6 oz pepper jack cheese (cut into strips)
JACK DANIELS MEATLOAF SAUCE:
½ cup ketchup
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup Jack Daniels whiskey
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. This meatloaf is awesome with hickory or oak wood.
2
Make the meat mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients for the meatloaf
Mix gently with your hands until just combined
Don’t overwork the meat or your meatloaf will be tough and chewy.
3
Assemble the meatloaf
Spread half of the meatloaf mixture on the bottom of a grill basket
Layer the pepper jack cheese on top of the meatloaf, leaving about an inch of meat on all sides
Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture and press the edges together to seal completely
Any exposed holes and the cheese will leak out while cooking.
Add the sauce. In a small bowl. combine the ingredients for the sauce and then pour over the top of the meatloaf, letting it run down the sides a little bit.
Smoke. Place the meatloaf on the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for 4 hours or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F.
Enjoy. Remove the meatloaf from the smoker. Let the smoked meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
PREP: 15 min, TOTAL: 4 hr 15 min, SERVINGS: 6
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
