Smoky Alton Brown Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy Comfort Classic

Sink your teeth into smoked meatloaf, a culinary revelation that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

This isn’t just another meatloaf, it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

Tender ground meats mingle with unexpected seasonings, creating a dish that defies traditional comfort food expectations.

Smoky undertones weave through each succulent slice, promising a taste adventure that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Bold ingredients like cocoa powder and crushed chips add depth and complexity to this reimagined classic.

Every forkful delivers a symphony of rich, tantalizing flavors that’ll have dinner guests begging for seconds.

Get ready to become the dinner hero with this show-stopping recipe that elevates meatloaf from mundane to magnificent.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients List for Alton Brown’s Smoked Meatloaf

• Ketchup: Choose a rich, tangy variety without artificial preservatives.
• Tomato Paste: Select a deep-colored, concentrated paste for intense flavor.
• Chipotle Peppers: Pick smoky, dried peppers for a bold, spicy kick.
• Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened dark cocoa for complex depth.

• Garlic: Select fresh, firm cloves with no green sprouts.
• Carrots: Choose crisp, bright orange carrots without soft spots.
• Chile Pepper: Pick firm, vibrant peppers for maximum heat.
• Onions: Select firm, heavy onions with no soft or moldy areas.
• Sage: Look for fresh, fragrant leaves with no wilting.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for richest flavor profile.

• Ground Chuck: Select 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness.
• Ground Sirloin: Choose freshly ground meat for best texture.
• Ground Pork: Pick meat with good marbling.
• Eggs: Use fresh, room temperature eggs for better binding.
• Hardwood Chunk: Select hickory or mesquite for deep smoky flavor.
• Aluminum Foil: Use heavy-duty for secure wrapping.

Cooking Tools for Alton Brown’s Smoked Meatloaf

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing glaze ingredients and combining meat.
• Food processor: Crushes potato chips and chops vegetables with ease.
• Skillet: Sautés vegetable mixture to develop deep, rich flavors.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures precise cooking temperature for perfectly done meatloaf.
• Smoker: Infuses mouthwatering smoky essence into the dish.
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil: Wraps meatloaf for initial cooking and allows convenient glazing.
• Drip pan: Catches excess juices during smoking process.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for slicing the finished meatloaf.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry brush: Applies glaze evenly over the meatloaf surface.

How to Make Alton Brown’s Smoked Meatloaf

Unleash Smoky Flavor Sensation

• Create Irresistible Glaze

Whip up a bold flavor explosion by blending ketchup, tomato paste, smoky chipotle peppers, and a dash of cocoa powder in a large bowl. This magical concoction will transform an ordinary meatloaf into a taste adventure.

• Build Flavor-Packed Base

Crush potato chips into fine crumbs and fold them into the glaze. In a skillet, sauté a vibrant mix of garlic, carrots, chile peppers, and onions with sage until they release their aromatic magic. Let the veggie mixture cool and mix into the glaze for an extra flavor punch.

• Craft the Meaty Masterpiece

Combine ground chuck, sirloin, and pork with eggs. Get hands-on and mix thoroughly, shaping the meat into a tantalizing loaf. Let the mixture rest and mingle at room temperature to develop deep flavors.

• Smoke and Transform

Fire up the smoker to 250 degrees F, adding a hardwood chunk for intense smokiness. Wrap the loaf in foil with drainage holes, creating a flavor-trapping package. Smoke for 45 minutes, letting the wood infuse every fiber of the meat.

• Glaze and Perfect

Unwrap the foil, folding it to catch drippings. Brush the meatloaf generously with the reserved glaze. Continue cooking until the internal temperature hits 140 degrees F, allowing the flavors to marry and intensify.

• Serve and Celebrate

Let the meatloaf rest for 30 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice into beautiful portions that showcase the smoky, glazed perfection. Serve to amazed guests who will be blown away by your culinary creativity.

Flavor Tips and Variations for Alton Brown’s Smoked Meatloaf

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Experiment with different potato chip varieties like barbecue or jalapeño to add unexpected twists to the glaze and crumb coating.
• Meat Mixture Mastery: Swap ground meats for turkey, lamb, or bison to create unique flavor profiles that keep your meatloaf exciting and versatile.
• Glaze Game Changer: Customize the chipotle glaze by adding a splash of bourbon, maple syrup, or red wine for deeper, more complex flavor notes that will surprise your taste buds.
• Vegetable Flexibility: Substitute sage with fresh thyme or rosemary, or swap out carrots for roasted bell peppers to create your own signature vegetable blend that complements the smoky meatloaf perfectly.

Ways to Serve Alton Brown’s Smoked Meatloaf

• Here are the Serving Suggestions
• Pair with Crisp Sides: Complement the smoky meatloaf with refreshing coleslaw or tangy green salad to balance the rich, intense flavors.
• Create Sandwich Magic: Transform leftover slices into mouthwatering sandwiches by adding sharp cheddar cheese and spicy mustard on toasted sourdough bread.
• Wine and Dine Perfectly: Serve alongside a robust red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah to enhance the deep, smoky notes of the meatloaf's complex flavor profile.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh element that cuts through the meatloaf's hearty richness.

Storage Guidance for Alton Brown’s Smoked Meatloaf

• Preserve Peak Flavor: Store leftover meatloaf in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to lock in those incredible smoky notes and prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze Like a Pro: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen meatloaf maintains its delicious taste for 2-3 months, providing quick future meals with minimal effort.
• Reheat with Precision: Warm refrigerated slices in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of broth or extra glaze to revive moisture and maintain the meatloaf's original juicy texture.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Slice the entire meatloaf before storing, making grab-and-go portions easy for quick lunches or spontaneous dinner solutions. This approach saves time and keeps your culinary creation ready for instant enjoyment.

Smoky Bold Alton Brown Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s classic smoked meatloaf brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with rich, hearty flavors. Smoky aromatics and precise technique create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground chuck (beef)
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground sirloin (beef)
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground pork
• 6 oz (170 g) barbecue potato chips (kettle-style), crushed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 medium carrot, cut into 6 pieces
• 1 Fresno chile, seeded
• 3 cloves garlic
• ⅔ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 oz (56 g) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Glaze Preparation: Craft a vibrant sauce by blending ketchup, tomato paste, smoky chipotle peppers, and rich cocoa powder. Reserve 1/3 cup for later glazing.
2. Crumb Integration: Pulverize potato chips into fine crumbs and fold into the prepared glaze. Simultaneously, process garlic, carrots, chile, and onions until finely minced.
3. Vegetable Sauté: Warm olive oil in a skillet and sauté the vegetable medley with sage and salt for 5 minutes. Cool slightly and incorporate into the potato chip mixture.
4. Meat Composition: Thoroughly mix ground chuck, sirloin, pork, and eggs using hands. Form a compact 12x4x2 inch loaf, wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil, and rest at room temperature for one hour.
5. Smoking Process: Heat smoker to 250°F, add a hardwood chunk for depth of flavor. Puncture foil-wrapped loaf’s base, position over a drip pan. Smoke for 45 minutes, then unwrap and brush with reserved glaze.
6. Final Cooking: Continue smoking until internal temperature reaches 140°F, approximately 40 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness precisely.
7. Resting and Serving: Remove from smoker and let rest for 30 minutes. Slice carefully and serve immediately to maintain optimal flavor and succulence.

Notes

Meat Mixture Mastery: Blend different meat types for complex, rich flavor profile and ideal fat content.

Glaze Game Changer: Reserve 1/3 of glaze before mixing to ensure perfect final coating and balanced taste.

Smoking Technique: Use hardwood chunk for deep, smoky essence and puncture foil for proper moisture management.

Temperature Precision: Let meatloaf rest at room temperature and monitor internal heat for juicy, perfectly cooked result.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 150mg