West Virginia BBQ Meatloaf on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Nothing says hearty comfort like a traditional BBQ meatloaf, but when it’s made on the Arteflame grill using a reverse sear method with real firewood, it becomes something unforgettable. Inspired by West Virginia BBQ traditions and crafted entirely on the Arteflame flat top and center grate, this Coal Fired BBQ Meatloaf brings smoky flavor, a perfect crust, and juicy center. Whether you're serving it at a backyard get-together or a weeknight dinner, this meatloaf turns a humble classic into a grilled masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 stick butter (for grilling)
• For BBQ glaze: 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Wait approximately 20 minutes until you have hot embers and a clean burning fire. The center grate should reach 1,000F and the flat top should have various heat zones.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs with milk and let soak for 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef, ground pork, onions, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Shape the mixture into a firm loaf, about 9 inches long and 4 inches thick.

Step 3: Sear the Meatloaf

1. Place a few pats of butter on the flat top near the center grate.
2. Sear all sides of the meatloaf on the center grill grate at 1,000F to lock in juices and develop a smoky crust.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Top

1. Once a good sear is achieved, move the meatloaf to the cooler zone of the flat top grill to finish cooking.
2. Cover loosely with foil tenting if desired (optional, helps retain moisture).
3. Mix the BBQ glaze ingredients and baste the meatloaf every 10 minutes.
4. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 150F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the meatloaf from the grill at 150F – it will continue cooking to approximately 165F while resting.
2. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Use butter on the griddle instead of oil for added richness and better browning.
• Reverse searing keeps meat moist with a seared exterior and medium-tender interior.
• Use a digital thermometer for precise internal temperature.
• Grill vegetables like green beans or potatoes on the flat top while the meatloaf is finishing up.
• Keep the BBQ glaze warm on the edge of the cooktop for easy basting.

Variations

1. Cheddar Jalapeño Meatloaf: Add shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pickled jalapeños into the mix for a spicy twist.
2. Maple Bacon BBQ Meatloaf: Incorporate cooked bacon bits into the meat and glaze with a maple syrup BBQ sauce blend.
3. Italian Style Meatloaf: Swap Worcestershire for tomato paste, add Italian seasoning, and use marinara as the glaze.
4. Southwest Meatloaf: Mix in black beans, corn, and taco spices; finish with a chipotle-honey glaze.
5. Sweet & Spicy Peach BBQ Meatloaf: Add diced peaches to your BBQ glaze and a pinch of cayenne for contrast.

Best pairings

• Grilled green beans with garlic butter on the flat top
• Charred corn with chili-lime butter
• Sweet potato wedges grilled on the griddle
• Homemade buttermilk biscuits warmed on the outer edge
• Classic coleslaw for a crisp, creamy side

Conclusion

Taking a beloved classic like meatloaf and grilling it on the Arteflame not only amplifies its flavor—it transforms it entirely. Infused with smoky goodness, kissed by fire on the center grate, and brought to perfect doneness on the flat top, this West Virginia-style BBQ meatloaf will steal the show at your next backyard feast.