Grilled Meatloaf Recipe

Calendar icon Published: Mar 15th 2026 by Sarah Leadon
Clock icon Last updated: Mar 15th 2026
Read time: 3 mins
Cuisine:
This recipe, developed through the collective effort of at least 6 experts, underwent meticulous research and testing for over 3 months. Learn more about our process in the art and science behind our recipes or read how we use AI responsibly. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure Policy.
Top view of Grilled Meatloaf

Want to try something new with your meatloaf? We’ve got a great idea! While regular baked meatloaf is delicious, it can become a bit dull after a while. Try grilling your meatloaf instead. Grilling gives it a nice smoky flavor that goes perfectly with the sweet BBQ sauce and the juicy, savory taste of the tender meatloaf. Pair this juicy meatloaf with mashed potatoes and grilled green beans for a tasty meal.

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Is meatloaf made of meat?

Yes, meatloaf is made with meat. Meatloaf is made with ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and ground pork. Meatloaf also contains other ingredients such as breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, fresh or dried herbs, and other seasonings. The meatloaf is glazed with ketchup or BBQ sauce.
 

Is meatloaf fully cooked?

Yes, meatloaf is fully cooked. It is cooked until it has reached an internal temperature of 160 °F, the recommended temperature for doneness.
 

Is meatloaf hard to make?

Meatloaf is not hard to make. In fact, it's quite easy. Simply get the ingredients ready, mix them together, shape them into a loaf, and grill. It's that simple!

Why is meatloaf pink?

Meatloaf can be pink for several reasons. For example, if you make the meatloaf ahead of time and chill it in the fridge before baking. In that case, the nitrates in the fresh onions and garlic may react with the bacteria in the meat, causing it to develop a pink color even after cooking. This is why color is not a good measure of doneness. Temperature is the only way to test your meatloaf for doneness. Meatloaf is safe to eat if it is cooked until it has reached an internal temperature of 160 °F. 
 

Author: Sarah Leadon
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Time & Serves

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Serves
6 persons

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds 85% Lean Ground Beef
     

  • 1/2 pound Ground Pork
     

  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
     

  • 1/2 medium White Onion, minced
     

  • 1/2 medium Bell Pepper, minced
     

  • 1 cup Gluten-free Breadcrumbs
     

  • 2 large Eggs
     

  • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
     

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed Red Pepper Flakes
     

  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
     

  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
     

  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley
     

  • 1 teaspoon Coconut Aminos
     

  • 1 cup Sugar-free BBQ Sauce

Instructions

Set up your grill, then preheat it to medium heat (325 °F-375 °F). 
 

Grill being preheated

Next, layer 3 sheets of foil on a baking sheet and set it aside. 
 

Baking sheet covered in foil

Place the ground beef, ground pork, garlic, white onion, bell pepper, gluten-free breadcrumbs, eggs, kosher salt, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and fresh parsley in a large bowl and mix until combined.
 

Meatloaf ingredients (except the coconut aminos and BBQ sauce) mixed in a large bowl

Add the coconut aminos and 1/2 cup of sugar-free BBQ sauce and mix until combined. 
 

Coconut aminos and BBQ sauce added to meatloaf mixture

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf, then place it on the foil. Brush the meatloaf with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. 
 

Meatloaf mixture shaped into a loaf and brushed with BBQ sauce on top of foil.

Grab the edges of the foil and carefully transfer the meatloaf to the grill. Cook the meatloaf for 30 minutes. 
 

Meatloaf being grilled

Next, brush the meatloaf with the remaining 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce and cook it for another 15 minutes until it has reached an internal temperature of 160 °F. 
 

Remainder of BBQ sauce brushed on meatloaf that is more than halfway grilled

Remove the meatloaf from the grill, place it on a baking sheet, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice the meatloaf, then place it on a serving platter and enjoy!

Grilled meatloaf slices on a white platter
Sarah Leadon
Author:
Senior Recipe Developer & Food Writer

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