We Bought A Cow
Earlier this year we purchased a cow to have processed at a local butcher. This was our first time to do this and we really did not know what to expect. We can not possibly eat a whole cow in a year, so we split the cow with my parents. This was grass-fed beef. The quality of the meat is great- almost no fat! This does pose some challenges when preparing steak and other cuts of meat. Additional steps are required to tenderize the meat. A grain finished cow is definitely preferred. This allows the cow to put on a little fat which causes marbling in the meat, adding tenderness and flavor. Our favorite part of this cow so far is the ground beef, and we have a freezer full to utilize!
Of course I have been making spaghetti, tacos and hamburgers, but I have never really liked meatloaf so I have only made it a couple of times in my life. As I am trying to diversify the use of all this ground beef, I thought I would try creating a new meatloaf recipe that would include some of my favorite ingredients. The results were fantastic!
Homestyle Dinner
This homestyle dinner can be prepared ahead of time! Have this prepared to put on the smoker or grill for a flavorful Sunday dinner or enjoy it any time you want. Meatloaf sandwiches? Yes! The possibilities are endless with this smoky, veggie packed loaf of goodness!
Here is the link to The Bomb BBQ Sauce: https://sanctuary-ridge.com/2020/04/05/sanctuary-ridge-family-recipes-the-bomb-bbq-sauce/.
Smoked Meatloaf
Equipment
- Smoker, Grill or Oven
- Large mixing bowl
- Large Spoon x2
- measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Large Disposable Loaf Pans- I buy the 1/4 size at SAMS Club
- Food Processor to mince the veggies
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, minced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, minced
- 1 Yellow Onion, minced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 tsp salt and ground black pepper
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp liquid smoke flavor Optional
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup The Bomb BBQ Sauce- set aside until final 10 minutes of smoking! Recipe link in main post
Instructions
- Preheat smoker, grill or oven to 300 degrees. If using a smoker or grill, add wood chips for more smoke! Do not use wood chips in the oven!
- Combine all ingredients (EXCEPT BBQ Sauce) in a large mixing bowl until mixed really well. Place in a large loaf pan and shape the mixture to form a solid loaf. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Place in a preheated smoker, grill or oven and cook at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Glaze the top with BBQ Sauce and cook uncovered for 10 more minutes. Check internal temperature for safety- 160 is the recommended minimum temperature!
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve!
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