Traeger Smoked Mini Meatloaf Sliders

These Traeger Mini Meatloaf Burgers capture the familiar comfort of classic meatloaf in a handheld sandwich. Smoky from the pellet grill, topped with barbecue sauce, and served on rolls, they make a juicy, satisfying meal for a crowd.

Traeger Mini Meatloaf Burgers

These mini meatloaves are cooked on a Traeger pellet grill to add a gentle smoke and depth of flavor. Each patty is finished with BBQ sauce and melted cheese, then sandwiched between toasted rolls for a classic barbecue-style sandwich. They are an easy twist on ordinary burgers and a crowd-pleaser at summer gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dinners.

If you like the flavor of traditional meatloaf but want something easier to serve and eat, these individual-sized meatloaves are a great solution. They cook quickly and can be served with a variety of sides and condiments so guests can customize their sandwiches.

Find more easy Traeger recipes in the same collection.

What kind of meat works best for this recipe?

I recommend ground beef with an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio: enough fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful without being overly greasy. You can also use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a slightly different texture and flavor. Add-ins like chopped cooked bacon or cheese pieces work well if you want to customize the patties, but the recipe is delicious with classic meatloaf ingredients.

Explore more pellet grill beef recipes for ideas and inspiration.

How to make mini meatloaf burgers on your pellet grill

Start by placing your ground beef in a mixing bowl. Plan about 1/4 pound of meat per burger and form the number of patties you need. One mini-meatloaf sandwich is usually enough when served with sides, though larger appetites may want two.

Finely dice the onion so it blends evenly into the meat. Combine the onion with the other seasonings and binders, then add the ground beef and mix gently until just combined—over-mixing can make the meat tough.

Form the mixture into individual patties, chill briefly if you like, then grill them directly on the grate. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking and add cheese to melt if desired. Let the patties rest for a few minutes before assembling on toasted buns.

When you plan the meal, think about sides. Classic grilled accompaniments pair perfectly with these sandwiches.

Try a smoked brat burger variation for another pellet-grill option.

What sides work best with mini meatloaf burgers?

These sandwiches go well with any classic burger sides. A few great options include:

• Smoked baked potatoes
• Buttered noodles
• Creamy macaroni salad
• Broccoli salad
• Grilled corn on the cob

Choose one or two sides, and round out the meal with a simple dessert to keep things easy and satisfying.

Dessert ideas

For a light, easy finish, serve a cherry cheesecake dip with graham crackers or a mixed berry crisp. If you prefer to keep everything on the pellet grill, a warm apple crisp is a comforting, shareable choice that pairs nicely with this menu.

Easy Traeger Meatloaf Burgers

Serve these mini meatloaf burgers on hard rolls or pretzel rolls with homemade barbecue sauce for the best flavor. If you prefer not to shape individual patties, you can bake the mixture in a foil pan and slice it family-style. Either way, finishing with sauce and cheese makes them irresistible.

Set up a condiment bar so guests can build their sandwiches: barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustards, relishes, pickles (sweet and dill), raw onion slices, sautéed mushrooms, and bell peppers let everyone customize a favorite combination.

These mini meatloaf sandwiches are simple to make, easy to serve, and perfect for sharing outdoors. They’re a great option for backyard barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or any relaxed gathering where people want a hearty, flavorful sandwich without a lot of fuss.

Yield: 12 servings

Traeger Mini Meatloaf Sandwiches

Mini, burger-sized versions of classic Traeger meatloaf: seasoned meat patties topped with BBQ sauce and cheese, served on toasted buns. Ideal for feeding a group.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Rest Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Meatloaf Mix

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 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
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 sleeve crushed saltine crackers
• 3 pounds ground beef (85/15)

Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 325°F following the manufacturer’s directions.
2. Finely chop the onion. In a large bowl, combine the onion with the eggs, yolks, milk, ketchup, seasonings, garlic, panko, and crushed crackers. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add the ground beef and gently mix until just combined; avoid overworking the meat.
4. Form the mixture into individual patties and place them on a platter. Grill the patties directly on the grate for 10–15 minutes, then flip once. Brush the tops with BBQ sauce and cook an additional 5 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F. Add cheese on top during the final minute to melt, if desired.
5. Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before serving on toasted buns.

Recommended Equipment

• Pellet-style smoker or grill suitable for home use
• Remote BBQ alarm thermometer for accurate internal temperature monitoring

Nutrition Information

Yield: 12 | Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving (estimate)

• Calories: 99
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Sodium: 249 mg
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g

Nutrition data are estimates. Consult a trusted source for medical or dietary needs.