Smoked Habanero Meatloaf Version 2.0

This smoked habanero meatloaf is by far my favorite version of any smoked meatloaf that I’ve made. The meat comes out unbelievably tender, with a nice smoky flavor. And of course, there’s a kick – a big kick from spicy BBQ sauce mixed with habanero salsa and mixed into the meat and used as a glaze.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf Version 2.0

The leftover smoked habanero meatloaf (if you have any) is just as good as the day you made it. Perfect for sandwiches. For sandwiches we just topped crisped French bread with a slab of warmed meatloaf followed by mayonnaise and red onion. The onion adds a nice crunch to the tender meatloaf.

You can make this dish in the oven and still have a fantastic dish, too.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple for this meatloaf.

If you prefer a more savory meatloaf try my smoked Italian meatloaf. It’s a bit more work, but worth it.

I smoked the meatloaf on my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker. You can also make it in the oven, or over indirect heat on a gas or charcoal grill.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf Version 2.0
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf Version 2.0

This smoked habanero meatloaf is by far my favorite. The meat comes out tender, with a nice smokey flavor (though you can make it in the oven and still have a fantastic dish). And of course, there’s a kick.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatloaf, smoked, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 445kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

For the smoker

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 225 – 250 F with a light wood, such as apple.

For the oven

  • Preheat oven to 450 F.

Assembly

  • Place the onion, celery and green pepper into a blender. Pulse until chopped, but not quite pureed. Squeeze out any excess moisture. It is important to get as much moisture out as you can. I put the vegetable mixture in a cheesecloth and wrung them like a wet towel.
  • Place beef and pork into a large bowl. Add onion mixture.
  • Whisk egg with milk and add to beef mixture, along with the bread crumbs and steak seasoning.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, salsa, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour half of the sauce onto the meat mixture and combine all ingredients well. Reserve the remaining sauce.
  • Spray a 9×13 aluminum (or glass if using the oven) pan with non-stick spray.
  • Add the beef/pork mixture and form into a roll. Spoon remaining sauce over top.
  • If cooking in the oven, bake 45-60 minutes or until center is done. You may want to drain some of the accumulating fat before serving.
  • If cooking in the smoker, poke a few holes along the edges of the aluminum pan so that any accumulating fat drips out. Smoke 2-3 hours at 250 F or until the center is done.
  • Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes and then slice into thick pieces.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 606mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 326IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf

This smoked habanero meatloaf is by far my favorite. The meat comes out tender, with a nice smoky flavor (though you can make it in the oven and still have a fantastic dish). And of course, there’s a kick – a big kick from BBQ sauce mixed with habanero salsa and mixed into the meat and used as a glaze.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf

The leftovers (if you have any) of this smoked habanero meatloaf are just as good as the day you made this meatloaf. Maybe even a little bit better. It is perfect for sandwiches, which we made the next day. We just topped toasted French bread with a slab of warmed meatloaf followed by mayonnaise and red onion. The onion and bread add a nice crunch to the tender meatloaf. I can’t have a sandwich without mayonnaise, so mine definitely got an extra helping of it on top.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf Sandwiches

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple wood chunks for this meatloaf.

I smoked the meatloaf on my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker. For a great side dish I made my crispy smoked smashed potatoes.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf

This smoked habanero meatloaf is by far my favorite. The meat comes out tender, with a nice smokey flavor (though you can make it in the oven and still have a fantastic dish).
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatloaf, smoked, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 445kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

For the smoker

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 225 – 250 F with a light wood, such as apple.

For the oven

  • Preheat oven to 450 F.

Assembly

  • Place the onion, celery and green pepper into a blender. Pulse until chopped, but not quite pureed. Squeeze out any excess moisture. It is important to get as much moisture out as you can.
  • Place beef and pork into a large bowl. Add onion mixture.
  • Whisk egg with milk and add to beef mixture, along with the bread crumbs and steak seasoning.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, salsa, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour half of the sauce onto the meat mixture and combine all ingredients well. Reserve the remaining sauce.
  • Spray a 9×13 aluminum (or glass if using the oven) pan with non-stick spray.
  • Add the beef/pork mixture and form into a roll. Spoon remaining sauce over top.
  • If cooking in the oven, bake 45-60 minutes or until center is done. You may want to drain some of the accumulating fat before serving.
  • If cooking in the smoker, poke a few holes along the edges of the aluminum pan so that any accumulating fat drips out. Smoke 2-3 hours or until the center is done.
  • Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes and then slice into thick pieces.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 606mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 326IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.