Smoky Traeger Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Are you a big fan of comforting, hearty meals? This Traeger Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines all the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger—bacon, cheese, grilled onion, ketchup and mustard—with the tender, juicy comfort of a classic meatloaf. Smoked on a pellet grill, it picks up a subtle smokiness and holds together perfectly for hot slices or hearty meatloaf sandwiches the next day.

Traeger Cheeseburger Meatloaf

This is not your grandmother’s meatloaf: the texture is tender and juicy, the flavor bold and balanced, and the smoked finish takes it to another level. I recommend making two loaves when you have the chance—this recipe stores and reheats beautifully, and cold or grilled slices make excellent sandwiches packed with melty cheese and favorite burger toppings.

A couple of simple additions make all the difference: grilling the onions before adding them gives a sweet, caramelized depth, and shredded cheddar folded into the mixture creates delightful pockets of melted cheese throughout the loaf. Cooked, crumbled bacon brings a smoky, savory bite that pairs perfectly with the tangy ketchup-mustard glaze.

If you want to keep things simple, this can be baked in the oven instead of smoked—just expect less smoke flavor but the same great texture and taste.

Shopping List

Here’s a concise list of everything you’ll need to make this cheeseburger-style meatloaf. Quantities and full ingredient details are included in the recipe card further below.

• Onion (small) — finely diced, or grill beforehand for sweetness
• Eggs — 2 large eggs plus an extra yolk to help bind
• Milk — a small amount to keep the loaf moist
• Ketchup — used in both the loaf and the glaze
• Yellow mustard — for tang and classic burger character
• Salt & ground black pepper — to taste
• Dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder — to deepen flavor
• Dried parsley & minced garlic — additional savory notes
• Panko breadcrumbs and crushed saltine crackers — light binders that keep the loaf tender
• Cooked crumbled bacon — for smoky, salty pockets
• Shredded cheddar cheese — melts into the loaf
• Ground beef (90/10) — lean enough to hold shape but still juicy
• Brown sugar & apple cider vinegar — for a balanced glaze

How to Make This Recipe — Overview

This overview summarizes the process. For best results follow the detailed recipe card below while you cook.

1. Preheat the grill: Set your Traeger or pellet grill to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine the mix: Mix all loaf ingredients except the ground beef, then gently fold in the beef until evenly combined.
3. Form loaves: Press the mixture into two lightly greased foil loaf pans or shape loaves directly on a tray.
4. Smoke the loaves: Place pans on the grill and cook for 25–30 minutes to set the exterior.
5. Make the glaze: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
6. Turn and glaze: Carefully turn the loaves onto the grates, brush with glaze, grill 20 minutes, flip, and brush again.
7. Finish: Grill until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Recipe FAQ

Try our Smoked Pizza Meatloaf variation for another bold, smoky twist.

What to Serve With Meatloaf

Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes (garlic mashed potatoes are a favorite), simple garlic noodles, or a fresh Greek-style pasta salad. Garlic breadsticks and a crisp green salad round out a complete, satisfying meal.

More Recipes Using Ground Beef

• Mini Meatloaf Burgers
• Blackstone Smash Burgers
• Smoked Cheeseburgers
• Ground Beef Stroganoff
• Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Yield: 2 loaves

Traeger Cheeseburger Meatloaf

This smoked cheeseburger meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and excellent for leftovers. The recipe makes two loaves—perfect for feeding a family or saving slices for sandwiches.

Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Rest Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: about 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

Meatloaf

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 sleeve crushed saltine crackers
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) ground beef (90/10)

Sauce

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat your Traeger or pellet grill to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the onion, eggs, egg yolk, milk, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, minced garlic, panko, and crushed crackers. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the cooked, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and ground beef. Mix gently until uniformly combined—avoid overworking the meat.
4. Press the mixture into two lightly greased foil loaf pans or shape into two loaves on a baking tray.
5. Place the pans on the grill and cook for 25–30 minutes to firm the exterior.
6. Meanwhile, whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth.
7. Carefully turn each loaf out onto the grill grates, brush with the glaze, and grill for 20 minutes. Gently flip, brush with more glaze, and grill another 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Remove from the grill and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or chill for sandwiches later.

Notes

If you don’t have a pellet grill, bake the loaves in a 375°F oven. Cooking times will be similar; finish when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Nutrition (estimate per serving)

Calories: ~293 • Total Fat: 18g • Saturated Fat: 8g • Cholesterol: 103mg • Sodium: 794mg • Carbohydrates: 13g • Protein: 19g

Nutrition data is an estimate. Consult a nutrition professional if you need precise values for medical reasons.