Alton Brown Smoked Meatloaf

This Alton Brown Smoked Meatloaf is made with ketchup, tomato paste, chipotle peppers, cocoa powder, barbecue potato chips, and ground meats. It takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes to prepare and cook and serves 12-14 people. Pair your Smoked Meatloaf with Shredded Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower Risotto, Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Stovetop Mac and cheese, and Southern-style cornbread.

To make Smoked Meatloaf, Alton Brown combines ketchup, tomato paste, and chipotle peppers with a unique addition of cocoa powder. Crushed barbecue potato chips are used for texture. The mix of ground chuck, sirloin, and pork is shaped into a loaf and smoked, creating a flavorful and moist meatloaf.

Whether you are making his Sloppy Joes, Alfredo Sauce, or this Smoked Meatloaf, Alton Brown’s recipes are celebrated for their inventive flavors and easy-to-follow instructions.

Alton Brown Smoked Meatloaf Ingredients

• 2/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 ounces chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 6 ounces barbecue potato chips (kettle-style), crushed
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium carrot, cut into 6 pieces
• 1 Fresno chile, seeded
• 1 medium onion, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pound ground chuck (beef)
• 1 pound ground sirloin (beef)
• 1 pound ground pork
• 3 large eggs

How To Make Alton Brown Smoked Meatloaf

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a large bowl, mix ketchup, tomato paste, chipotle peppers, and cocoa powder. Take out 1/3 cup of this mixture and keep it aside for later.
2. Prepare Potato Chip Mixture: Crush the potato chips in a food processor until they are like coarse breadcrumbs. Mix these into the bowl with the ketchup mixture.
3. Prepare Vegetable Mixture: In the food processor, combine garlic, carrots, chile, and onions. Process until finely chopped. Heat olive oil in a pan, add this vegetable mixture, sage, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are soft. Add this to the potato chip and ketchup mixture. Let it cool slightly.
4. Make the Meatloaf: Add ground chuck, sirloin, pork, and eggs to the bowl. Mix well with your hands. Shape into a 12x4x2 inch loaf. Wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
5. Smoke the Meatloaf: Heat your smoker to 250 degrees F. Add a hardwood chunk for flavor. Poke holes in the bottom of the foil-wrapped meatloaf for drainage. Place it in the smoker with a drip pan underneath. Cook for 45 minutes.
6. Glaze and Finish Cooking: Open the foil, and fold it down to create a shallow pan. Brush the meatloaf with the reserved glaze. Insert a thermometer and cook until it reaches 140 degrees F, about 40 minutes.
7. Rest and Serve: Take the meatloaf out of the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes. Then, slice and serve.

What To Serve With Smoked Meatloaf

Serve your Smoked Meatloaf with sides like Shredded Brussels Sprouts, Mushroom Risotto, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Stovetop Mac and cheese, and Southern-style cornbread. These sides complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf, adding a variety of textures and tastes to your meal.

How To Store Smoked Meatloaf

In The Fridge:

Wrap the smoked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it retains its flavor and moisture.

In The Freezer:

For longer storage, wrap the meatloaf tightly in a freezer-safe wrap or place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Smoked Meatloaf

To reheat smoked meatloaf, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the meatloaf in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s heated through. This method helps preserve the meatloaf’s moisture and smoky flavor.

Check out More Recipes From Alton Brown:

• Alton Brown Potato Soup
• Alton Brown’s Quick and Easy Microwave Popcorn