These Smoked Italian Meatloaf Minis offer a flavorful twist on a comfort food classic, featuring tender, smoky ground beef loaves enhanced with Italian herbs, marinara sauce, and a tangy BBQ and marinara glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors. The glaze combines BBQ sauce and marinara for a sweet and tangy finish, making each bite irresistibly juicy and flavorful.
Smoked Italian Meatloaves Recipe
Meatloaf is one of those meals that people seem to REALLY love or really really hate. I’m going to challenge you, because even if you fall into that latter category, this recipe might just change your mind. Instead of copious amounts of ketchup, we’re using flavorful marinara sauce instead. It gives the mini meatloaves an entirely different flavor profile.
You can make Homemade Marinara, or you can pick up a jar at the store. We prefer the Rao’s brand or Victoria, for that homemade flavor without all the extras, but more budget-friendly version will work too. Just grab your favorite and call it good.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Smoky Flavor: Cooking in a smoker adds a rich depth you won’t get in traditional meatloaf.
- Individual Portions: Perfectly portioned for easy serving and presentation.
- Italian-Inspired Ingredients: Parmesan, marinara, and parsley deliver classic Italian flair.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps with minimal prep time make it weeknight-friendly.
- Customizable: Can be adapted with different meats or glazes for varied tastes.
Try our Spicy Cowboy Beans!
Smoked Italian Meatloaf shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef
- Italian Bread Crumbs
- Marinara Sauce
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- Eggs
- Freshly Chopped Parsley
- Marinara Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Sugar
- White Vinegar
Have some Traeger Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes!
How to make Smoked Italian Meatloaf
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Preheat Smoker: Heat the smoker to 325°F.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mix: Combine beef, bread crumbs, marinara, parmesan, parsley, and eggs in a large bowl.
- Shape Loaves: Form into 8 small loaves, flatten slightly, and place on a baking sheet.
- Smoke Meatloaves: Smoke for 25 minutes.
- Add Glaze: Top each loaf with glaze and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Fire up the Traeger for some Over The Top Spaghetti!
FAQs
How do I store leftover meatloaves?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat the meatloaves?
Yes, reheat in a 300°F oven or a microwave or air fryer, until heated through. It should take around 10-15 minutes in the oven or air fryer, or 1-2 minutes in the microwave.
Can I make these in advance?
Prepare and shape the meatloaves ahead of time, then store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What substitutions can I make?
You can use ground turkey or pork instead of beef and swap marinara for tomato sauce or ketchip if desired.
Your family will love Smoked Italian Wedding Soup!
Serve This With…
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a classic pairing.
- Grilled Asparagus to complement the smoky flavors.
- A fresh Greek Salad for a lighter side.
These Smoked Mini Italian Meatloaves combine ease and elegance with bold, satisfying flavors. The smoky preparation and rich glaze create a memorable dish suitable for any occasion. Simple to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is a great addition to your repertoire of family favorites.
More great recipes with ground beef!
We Love Meatloaf
Smoked Italian Meatloaf Minis
Ingredients
For the Meatloaves:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/3 cups Italian bread crumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley use extra for garnish
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup marinara
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, parsley, and eggs.
- Form the mixture into 8 round loaves and flatten each loaf slightly. Place loaves on a baking sheet and smoke for 25 minutes.
- While the mini meatloaves are smoking, mix all of the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Take the meatloaves out of the smoker and spoon 1-2 tablespoons of glaze over each loaf. Cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Garnish the finished meatloaves with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
