Okay, listen up, because I’ve got a game-changer for your weeknights! You know how everyone goes crazy for melty cheese and yummy toppings on pizza? And how sometimes, a classic meatloaf just hits the spot for comfort food? Well, what if I told you we could get the best of both worlds? That’s exactly what this Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe For Families is all about. It’s seriously the easiest way to make everyone happy at the dinner table. I remember one night, the kids were *insisting* they wanted pizza, but I just didn’t have the energy for all the dough-making. Then, BAM! This idea hit me, and let me tell you, it was a total win!

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf Recipe For Families

Seriously, it’s a lifesaver for busy nights and always a crowd-pleaser. Here’s why this one is destined to become your new go-to:

Super Easy Prep: We’re talking dump-and-mix for the most part! No fancy techniques, just throwing things in a bowl and shaping. So little effort for such a big payoff.
Kid-Approved Flavors: Pizza! What kid doesn’t love pizza? The familiar toppings and cheesy goodness make this meatloaf a guaranteed hit, even with the pickiest eaters.
That Amazing Traeger Flavor: Cooking this on the Traeger grill gives it this incredible smoky depth that you just can’t get from baking in the oven. It’s a whole new level of delicious.
Dinner Solved in Under 90 Minutes: From mixing bowl to fork, you’re looking at maybe an hour and a half, with most of that time being hands-off cooking. Perfect for when you’re rushing.
Endless Customization: Think of this as your canvas! Want pepperoni? Go for it. Mushrooms? Absolutely. It’s so easy to tailor this recipe to exactly what your family craves.

Gather Your Ingredients for Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf

Alright, let’s get down to what you need to make this pizza meatloaf magic happen! Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you probably have in the pantry or can grab on a quick grocery run. Having everything ready makes the whole process super smooth, trust me.

2 pounds ground beef (I like 80/20 for the best flavor, but you do you!)
1 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko works too if you have it, gives it a nice little crunch!)
1/2 cup milk (whole milk is great here for richness)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the dusty stuff in the container is fine, or use fresh if you’re feeling fancy!)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion (I usually just mince it up really small)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or just a mix of oregano and basil if that’s what you have)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because everything is better with garlic, right?)
Salt and pepper to taste (give it a good sprinkle!)
1/2 cup pizza sauce (your favorite jarred kind works perfectly!)
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that gooey, melty topping we all love!)

See? Nothing too crazy. Just toss the first several ingredients into a bowl, mix ’em up, and you’re basically halfway there!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf

Alright, let’s get this pizza meatloaf party started on the Traeger! It’s honestly super straightforward, and watching it cook up all smoky and delicious is half the fun. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dinner winner in no time.

Fire Up the Traeger: First things first, get your Traeger grill humming! We want it heated up to a nice, steady 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for cooking meatloaf through without drying it out. You can use your favorite Traeger pellets, but a classic hard wood like hickory or oak really adds to that smoky pizza vibe. Make sure the grill is clean too – nobody wants old bits sticking to their delicious new meatloaf!
Mix the Meat Magic: In a big bowl, we’re going to combine all the goodies for the meatloaf base. Think of your ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, that lovely grated Parmesan, chopped onion, the eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Now, here’s a little tip that’s super important: mix everything *just* until it’s combined. If you overmix, you can end up with a tough, dense meatloaf, and we definitely don’t want that! Just gentle hands, and you’re good to go.
Shape and Sauce It Up: Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is our secret weapon for easy cleanup and making sure the meatloaf doesn’t stick. Gently shape the meat mixture into a loaf right there on the parchment. Don’t fuss with it too much, just gently mold it. Once it’s got a nice shape, it’s time for the pizza part! Spread that yummy pizza sauce all over the top of the meatloaf. Make sure you get a nice, even layer – this is where all that pizza flavor really starts!
Cheesy Topping Time: Now for the best part – the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza sauce. As it cooks, it’s going to get all melty and gooey, just like on your favorite slice. You could even add a little extra sprinkle of Parmesan here if you’re a big cheese fan, but I like to keep it simple with the mozzarella on top.
Grill It Up!: Carefully place the whole baking sheet onto your preheated Traeger grill. Now comes the patient part – letting the Traeger do its magic. We’re looking at about 50 to 60 minutes of cook time. The best way to know for sure if it’s ready is with a thermometer. You want the internal temperature to hit 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the meatloaf. This ensures it’s cooked safely and perfectly. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also insert a thin knife near the center; it should come out clean, with no pinkness.
Rest and Serve!: Once it’s reached that perfect temperature, carefully take the baking sheet off the Traeger. This is another crucial step: letting the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before you slice into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it extra moist and tender. If you cut it too soon, all those yummy juices will run out! After its little rest, slice it up and serve. You can totally serve it with extra pizza sauce for dipping, or some of my easy garlic bread – it’s a perfect pairing!

Cooking meatloaf on a pellet grill like the Traeger really gives it that amazing smoky char you can’t replicate in the oven. It helps develop a fantastic crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. If you don’t have a Traeger, don’t worry! You can totally bake this in a regular oven at the same temperature, though you’ll miss out on that signature smoky flavor. My Traeger baked chicken recipe is also a family favorite, so I know the grill is super forgiving!

Tips for the Ultimate Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf

Okay, want to take this pizza meatloaf from good to *spectacular*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that really make a difference:

Don’t Fear the Foil (or Parchment!): I mentioned lining the baking sheet, but seriously, don’t skip this! It makes cleanup a breeze, and it helps keep the bottom from getting too dark or sticking. Trust me, dealing with meatloaf bits stuck to a pan is NOT fun. Parchment paper is my favorite because it’s a little slicker.

Get Creative with Toppings: While the mozzarella is awesome, feel free to jazz it up! A few slices of pepperoni on top before the cheese, a sprinkle of chopped bell peppers, or even some sautéed mushrooms would be amazing. Just make sure any extra veggies are cooked down a bit first so they don’t make your meatloaf watery. My kids love when I add a few extra slices of pepperoni right before the cheese!

For Extra Moisture, Consider Pork: If you want to make it *extra* moist and flavorful, try using half ground beef and half ground pork. The pork fat adds a lovely richness that makes the meatloaf incredibly tender. It’s my secret for keeping it from ever feeling dry, no matter what!

Serving Suggestions for Your Family Traeger Pizza Meatloaf

This pizza meatloaf is practically a meal in itself, but a few partners make it a true feast! Since it’s got all those yummy pizza flavors, you really can’t go wrong with classic Italian-inspired sides. Think about serving it with a big, fresh salad – maybe my simple summer salad if it’s warm out. Or, some garlic bread is always a winner to mop up any extra sauce! My creamy garlic mashed potatoes are also a hit and feel super comforting. Honestly, whatever your family loves will be delicious!

Storage and Reheating Your Delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pizza meatloaf is still fantastic the next day. Once it’s cooled down, wrap it up nice and tight in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze some for later, wrap individual slices really well, or the whole thing if you have a big freezer bag, and it should be good for up to 2-3 months. Reheating is easy too – just pop a slice in the microwave for a minute or two, or for the best flavor, warm it gently in a low oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traeger Pizza Meatloaf

Can I make this meatloaf in the oven instead of on the Traeger?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a Traeger grill, no worries at all. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatloaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about the same amount of time, 50-60 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You’ll miss that smoky grilled flavor, but it will still be super delicious!

What other kinds of cheese can I use on top?

Mozzarella is classic for that pizza pull, but feel free to get creative! A blend of mozzarella and cheddar is yummy, or you could even try some provolone for a sharper flavor. Some people like to mix in a little bit of grated Parmesan with the mozzarella for an extra cheesy kick. Just use about 1/4 cup total of your favorite melty cheese!

My meatloaf mixture seems really sticky. What should I do?

That’s pretty normal, especially with ground beef! The trick is to lightly wet your hands with water or spray them with non-stick cooking spray right before you shape the meatloaf. This will help prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands so you can easily form it into a nice loaf shape on your baking sheet. Don’t add extra breadcrumbs just because it’s sticky; that can make your meatloaf tough.

Can I add chopped vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?

Yes, you can! If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some zucchini work well. Just make sure to chop them very small and maybe even sauté them a bit first to soften them up and cook out any excess moisture. This helps prevent them from making the meatloaf soggy. It’s a great way to make our family pizza meatloaf even heartier!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a friendly heads-up, the nutritional info for this amazing pizza meatloaf is an estimate, okay? It’s based on the ingredients and serving sizes we used, but your exact numbers might look a little different depending on the brands you pick and how big you slice your portions. But generally, each serving packs a good punch of protein and flavor!

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: ~450
Fat: ~25g
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~20g

Traeger Pizza Meatloaf

Author: faironplay.com
Total Time: 75 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful pizza-inspired meatloaf cooked on your Traeger grill, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 eggs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, onion, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce.
Place the baking sheet on the Traeger grill and cook for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms.
Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 60 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Traeger, pizza meatloaf, family recipe, grilled meatloaf, easy dinner