MEATLOAF WITH CROUTONS RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine everything EXCEPT 1/4 cup of bbq sauce and the beef rub in a large bowl and mix well.
• Roll the mixture onto a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper and form into log/loaf.
• Wrap the loaf in the foil/parchment and refrigerate for one hour to help the loaf set.
• Set your pellet smoker to 225F and use hickory pellets for smoke.
• Remove the wrapped meatloaf from the refrigerator and season the top and sides with the beef rub.
• Use the foil to transport the meatloaf to the smoker and then use the foil to roll the loaf so that the seasoned side is DOWN.
• Season the TOP of the meatloaf with the remaining rub.
• Smoke the meatloaf for one hour at 225F.
• Open the smoker and glaze the top of the meatloaf with the bbq sauce.
• Raise the temperature of the pellet grill to 325F.
• Smoke for another 30-45 minutes until an internal temperature of 160F.
• Carefully remove the smoked meatloaf from the grill and allow to cool for 30 minutes for easier slicing.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
• In a food processor bowl, combine croutons, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and thyme. Pulse until the mixture is of a fine texture. Place this mixture into a large bowl. Combine the onion, carrot, garlic, and red pepper in the food processor bowl. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, but not pureed. Combine the vegetable mixture, ground sirloin, and ground chuck with the bread crumb mixture. Season the meat mixture with the kosher salt. Add the egg and combine thoroughly, but avoid squeezing the meat.
• Pack this mixture into a 10-inch loaf pan to mold the shape of the meatloaf. Onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, turn the meatloaf out of the pan onto the center of the tray. Insert a temperature probe at a 45 degree angle into the top of the meatloaf. Avoid touching the bottom of the tray with the probe. Set the probe for 155 degrees.
• Combine the catsup, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce and honey. Brush the glaze onto the meatloaf after it has been cooking for about 10 minutes.