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Savory Cheddar Stuffed Smoked Meatloaf with Whiskey BBQ Glaze

cheddar stuffed smoked meatloaf - featured image
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A smoky, cheesy meatloaf stuffed with sharp cheddar and glazed with a whiskey BBQ sauce, perfect for a flavorful and comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons whiskey

Instructions

  1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 275°F (135°C). If using a grill, set it up for indirect heat and add a handful of wood chips (hickory or applewood recommended).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, milk, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. On a foil-lined baking sheet, shape half the meat mixture into a 9×5 inch rectangle. Make a shallow well down the center for the cheese.
  4. Spread the shredded cheddar evenly in the well, avoiding piling too high.
  5. Cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to encase the cheese completely. Shape into a loaf and smooth the surface.
  6. Mix BBQ sauce and whiskey in a small bowl to prepare the glaze. Adjust sweetness or smokiness to taste.
  7. Brush a thin layer of glaze over the meatloaf, reserving some for basting.
  8. Place the meatloaf in the smoker or grill away from direct heat. Smoke for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, basting with glaze every 20 minutes.
  9. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 160°F (71°C). If cheese leaks, gently press it back in with a spatula.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze on the side.

Notes

If you don’t have a smoker, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and broil with glaze for a caramelized top. Use liquid smoke in the glaze to mimic smoky flavor. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep it tender. Seal the cheese well to prevent leakage. Rest the meatloaf before slicing to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, smoked meatloaf, cheddar stuffed meatloaf, whiskey BBQ glaze, comfort food, dinner recipe, smoky meatloaf

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/savory-cheddar-stuffed-smoked-meatloaf-with-whiskey-bbq-glaze-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/