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Pizza night meets classic comfort food in this bold and delicious Traeger Pizza Meatloaf. Smoked on the Traeger for a flavorful twist, this dish takes everything you love about pizza — gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, fresh basil — and tucks it into a juicy, tender meatloaf. It’s the ultimate mash-up dinner you didn’t know you needed.

Unlike traditional meatloaf, this version packs an Italian punch thanks to a blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and herbs, all enveloping a cheesy pepperoni-studded filling. The rich San Marzano tomato sauce cooked with garlic and oregano adds that familiar pizza flavor, while the kiss of smoke from the Traeger brings it all to the next level.

This meatloaf is perfect for family dinners, game days, or anytime you want to impress with a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s satisfying, comforting, and packed with familiar flavors — plus, it reheats like a dream. Whether you’re a Traeger pro or just starting out with smoking, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza-Inspired Comfort Food – Combines the cozy heartiness of meatloaf with the unbeatable flavors of pizza.
Smoky Traeger Magic – Cooking it on the Traeger infuses the meatloaf with a mouthwatering wood-fired flavor.
Stuffed and Saucy – Melted mozzarella and pepperoni inside, rich tomato sauce on top — flavor in every layer.
Family Favorite – A guaranteed win for kids and adults alike.
Meal Prep Friendly – Makes fantastic leftovers and is easy to reheat or freeze for future meals.

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

Ground beef
Italian sausage
Eggs
Italian breadcrumbs
Italian seasoning
Salt

Filling

Pepperoni
Fresh mozzarella slices
San Marzano tomatoes (separated for sauce and structure)
Fresh basil leaves

Sauce

Olive oil
Fresh garlic
San Marzano tomatoes
Salt
Oregano
Sugar (optional)

Variations

Spicy Kick

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use hot Italian sausage for extra heat.

Cheese Lovers

Swap or add provolone, shredded mozzarella, or smoked gouda to the filling for extra cheesy goodness.

Veggie Boost

Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can be added to the filling or sauce for added texture and flavor.

No Smoker? No Problem

Bake in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 60–75 minutes if you don’t have a Traeger.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check all other ingredients for gluten-friendly versions.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.

Step 2: Shape and Fill

On a sheet of parchment or foil, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle. Layer pepperoni, fresh mozzarella slices, basil, and a few spoonfuls of drained San Marzano tomatoes in the center. Carefully roll the meatloaf, jelly-roll style, sealing the edges.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the remaining San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand or blended), salt, oregano, and sugar if desired. Simmer until thickened.

Step 4: Smoke the Meatloaf

Preheat your Traeger to 225°F. Place the meatloaf on the grill and smoke for 2–2.5 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. During the last 30 minutes, brush with the sauce.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra sauce and fresh basil.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use parchment paper or foil to help roll and transfer the meatloaf without tearing.
Don’t overmix the meat — it can make the loaf dense.
Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully but can be swapped for shredded if you prefer.
For a more intense flavor, refrigerate the meatloaf for an hour before smoking.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.

How to Serve

Slice thick pieces and serve with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp Caesar salad. For a fun twist, serve leftovers in a sandwich roll with extra sauce and melted cheese — meatloaf parm-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this without a Traeger or smoker?

Yes! Bake in the oven at 375°F for about 60–75 minutes until the internal temp reaches 160°F.

2. What’s the best wood pellet flavor for this?

Hickory, oak, or a competition blend work great for that savory, smoky flavor.

3. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

Yes, but fresh mozzarella slices melt better and offer a more authentic pizza feel.

4. Is it okay to skip the pepperoni?

Definitely — the recipe is still delicious without it, or try a turkey or veggie substitute.

5. How do I keep it from falling apart?

Make sure to seal the edges well and let it rest before slicing to help it hold together.

6. Can I prepare it a day in advance?

Yes, shape the loaf and store covered in the fridge overnight. Smoke the next day.

7. How do I know when it’s done?

Use a meat thermometer — the internal temp should be 160°F in the thickest part.

8. What’s the best way to crush San Marzano tomatoes?

Use your hands or pulse a few times in a blender or food processor for a rustic sauce.

9. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes! Cooked mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make great additions.

10. How do I avoid soggy meatloaf?

Drain any excess moisture from tomatoes before using them in the filling, and don’t over-sauce during cooking.

Conclusion

Traeger Pizza Meatloaf is everything you love about pizza and meatloaf in one delicious, smoky package. It’s hearty, cheesy, saucy, and packed with bold Italian flavors — a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an exciting twist on classic meatloaf, this recipe delivers. Fire up your Traeger and get ready to wow your tastebuds with every cheesy, meaty, pizza-loaded bite.