This Grilled Meatloaf with only 7-ingredients is a tried-and-true family favorite dinner. The smoky flavor and grilled vegetables are a winning combo every time.
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Grilled food is my favorite way to cook, and meatloaf is one of my family's favorite foods, so I wanted to combine the two for this Grilled Meatloaf. To be honest, this one took me a few tries to get right, and I am excited to share it with you!
If you want to try some delicious sides to pair with this Grilled Meatloaf, we love our Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Asparagus.
Reader Review: "This meatloaf is so easy to make and I love making extra to have grilled meatoaf sandwiches the next day" - Bralyn
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food - The grill adds incredible flavor you can't get from the oven.
- Perfect for summer cooking - Keep the heat outside while still enjoying a hearty family dinner.
- Easy Pantry Ingredients - Everything you need will be found at your local grocery store.
- Great for leftovers - Slice it for a grilled Meatloaf Sandwich the next day.
Helpful Equipment
- Large BBQ Spatula - Stainless steel, perfect for any grill needs you may have.
- Meat Thermometer - Helpful for the perfect temperature of whatever you are grilling.
- Grill Pan - Perfect to make pancakes, pizza, eggs, and Grilled Meatloaf.
- Pastry Brush - This brush is heat-resistant, dishwasher safe, and perfect for glazing your meatloaf.
Video
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: I use an 85/15 ground beef for this to add some moisture.
- Lipton Onion Soup Mix: The perfect seasoning for a classic meatloaf flavor.
- Bread Crumbs: To help bind the meatloaf together.
- Onion: To add a little sweetness and lots of flavor.
- Bell Pepper: Brings freshness and color!
- Eggs: They help hold everything together and will keep the meatloaf from falling apart.
- Ketchup: Both mixed in the meatloaf and brushed on top for a sweet glaze.
Tim's Tip: Place the formed meatloaves in the freezer for 10 minutes before grilling to help firm up and hold their shape as they move to the grill.
How to Make Grilled Meatloaf
1. Prepare Veggies: Dice the peppers and onions and sauté them in a little oil until soft and tender. Allow them to cool slightly before mixing them into the meatloaf.
2. Mix meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed veggies, soup mix, bread crumbs, eggs, and ½ the ketchup. Mix until just combined.
3. Form Loaves: Shape the mixture into 2 equal loaves about 1 inch thick. Place them on a tray or plate in the freezer for 10 minutes to help firm up before grilling.
4. Prepare Grill: Preheat the grill to 400°F, placing a grill pan on the lowest rack.
5. Sear Loaves: Place the loaves on the grill pan on the lowest rack and sear the meatloaf for 3 minutes per side to seal in the juices.
6. Grill Loaves: Reduce the grill temperature to 350°F and move the grill pan to indirect heat. Brush the tops with the remaining ketchup, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the grilled meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the ketchup for BBQ Sauce for a smoky, tangy finish.
- Use Ground Turkey for a lighter version. Just make sure not to overcook since it is leaner than beef.
- Swap the Breadcrumbs - You can use what you have on hand, such as oatmeal, crushed crackers, and even grated potatoes.
Tim's Tips
- Don't overmix - Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make a meatloaf a little tough.
- Don't make your loaves too thick - Shape both loaves evenly. You want to have a uniform shape so that the center does not take too long to come to temperature.
- Sear the Loaf First- this will seal in the juices and help keep the meat tender.
- Don't Skip the Grill Pan - A grill pan makes it much easier to move the meatloaf and helps it hold together while cooking.
- Cook by Temperature - Using a digital meat thermometer for the best results on when to pull the meatloaf. Looking for 155°F - 160°F.
What to Serve with Grilled Meatloaf
Grilled Meatloaf Storage
Refrigeration: Allow the grilled meatloaf to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: I like to slice the meatloaf into pieces before freezing, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, grilled meatloaf holds well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw the meatloaf if frozen. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Tim's Favorite Leftovers: My favorite way to enjoy leftover meatloaf is as a grilled meatloaf sandwich. I layer slices of meatloaf and add some cheese, and cook it in a skillet over low heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. It is the ultimate comfort food, and it melts in your mouth.
FAQs
Yes, you can cook meatloaf directly on the grill grates, but you need to take extra care. Meatloaf is a little softer; it can fall through the grates when flipped. I find that using a grill pan works best, because it adds support and still allows great flavor.
Yes, you can use sugar-free to cut down on carbohydrates and sugar, yet it will still keep the meat juicy.
You do not have to cover it; leaving it uncovered allows that delicious, smoky bark on the outside.
More Delicious Meatloaf Ideas
What are the "must-haves" on your family menus? Let me know your family's favorite recipes in the comments! I love gathering ideas from fellow cooks!
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Recipe
Grilled Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- ¾ cup Bread Crumbs
- ½ cup Onion Chopped
- 1 Red Bell Pepper Chopped
- 2 Eggs
- ½ cup Ketchup Divided
Instructions
- Prepare Veggies: Dice the peppers and onions and sauté them in a little oil until soft and tender. Allow them to cool slightly before mixing them into the meatloaf. 1 Red Bell Pepper ½ cup Onion
- Mix meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed veggies, soup mix, bread crumbs, eggs, and ½ the ketchup. Mix until just combined. 2 lbs Ground Beef 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix ¾ cup Bread Crumbs 2 Eggs ½ cup Ketchup
- Form Loaves: Shape the mixture into 2 equal loaves about 1 inch thick. Place them on a tray or plate in the freezer for 10 minutes to help firm up before grilling.
- Prepare Grill: Preheat the grill to 400°F, placing a grill pan on the lowest rack.
- Sear Loaves: Place the loaves on the grill pan on the lowest rack and sear the meatloaf for 3 minutes per side to seal in the juices.
- Grill Loaves: Reduce the grill temperature to 350°F and move the grill pan to indirect heat. Brush the tops with the remaining ketchup, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the grilled meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Don't overmix - Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make a meatloaf a little tough.
- Don't make your loaves too thick - Shape both loaves evenly. You want to have a uniform shape so that the center does not take too long to come to temperature.
- Sear the Loaf First- this will seal in the juices and help keep the meat tender.
- Don't Skip the Grill Pan - A grill pan makes it much easier to move the meatloaf and helps it hold together while cooking.
- Cook by Temperature - Using a digital meat thermometer for the best results on when to pull the meatloaf. Looking for 155°F - 160°F.
Refrigeration: Allow the grilled meatloaf to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: I like to slice the meatloaf into pieces before freezing, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, grilled meatloaf holds well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw the meatloaf if frozen. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Tim's Favorite Leftovers: My favorite way to enjoy leftover meatloaf is as a grilled meatloaf sandwich. I layer slices of meatloaf and add some cheese, and cook it in a skillet over low heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. It is the ultimate comfort food, and it melts in your mouth.
Nutrition
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