Meatloaf is one of those foods most people think should taste like moms. Now, I’m not saying your mother’s meatloaf isn’t the best; but you can turn hers into something exceptional by adding a touch of grilled smoke flavor. Don’t worry; you don’t have to own a fancy smoker. Purchase a metal, wood chip smoker box at Lowe’s or Home Depot to use in your gas or charcoal grill. Fill the box with wood smoking pellets. Light the pellets with a butane torch and you can turn your gas grill into a smoker for grilled meatloaf, chicken, steak, or pork chops. It’s really easy to do and you’re going to love the flavor. So, get Smokin’!   

Grilled Meatloaf with Tangy Tomato Sauce 

1 and 1/2 pounds ground chuck
1/4 cup ketchup
4 ounces tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/4 inch dice
1/4 cup chopped green pepper, 1/4 inch dice
1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
1 egg
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon hot sauce (your favorite)
Tangy Tomato Sauce (Recipe below)

Mix all ingredients together but ground chuck. Tear off Ping-Pong ball size pieces of ground chuck and add to ketchup mixture. Stir until combined. Shape meatloaf into a 1-inch high rectangle in a disposable 12 X 8-inch aluminum pan. (It won’t completely fill the pan). Make Tangy Tomato Sauce, pour on top of meatloaf, and spread to edges. Preheat grill to 350ºF. Place meatloaf (in disposable aluminum pan) on grill grate. Next to the meatloaf place the metal, wood chip smoker box, filled with wood smoker pellets. Light pellets with a butane torch. Grill meatloaf 1 hour and 15 minutes. Enjoy, Friends!

Tangy Tomato Sauce

1/2 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup tomato sauce 
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cider vinegar 
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Spoon sauce on top of meatloaf.

Published in The News and Neighbor on August 30, 2023.