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Raw meatloaf shaped around a jar in cast iron skillet, topped with Sriracha ketchup

Smoked Cast Iron Skillet Meatloaf with Jalapeños & Sriracha Ketchup

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Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Smoker (pellet, offset, electric, or charcoal)
  • Glass jar (heat-safe)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 –2 fresh jalapeños chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • A few big splashes Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • ~1 cup crushed saltine crackers
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Sriracha ketchup or any spicy ketchup, for topping
  • 1 cup tomato juice added halfway through smoking

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bell pepper, onion, jalapeños, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, egg, crushed saltines, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  • Shape in Cast Iron
  • Press the mixture into a cast iron skillet and form it into a ring shape.
  • Place a glass jar in the center to help the loaf cook evenly.
  • This step gives the meatloaf its unique “bundt-style” smoked shape.
  • Add Sriracha Ketchup Topping
  • Drizzle or brush a generous layer of Sriracha ketchup over the top.
  • Smoke the Meatloaf
  • Place the cast iron skillet into a smoker preheated to 225–250°F.
  • Use pecan wood for best flavor.
  • Smoke for 1.5 hours.
  • Add Tomato Juice
  • Pour about 1 cup tomato juice over the meatloaf halfway through cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Finish Smoking
  • Continue smoking for another 1.5 hours, or until the top is dark and caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  • Rest and Serve
  • Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes. Remove the jar, slice, and serve hot.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat — this keeps it tender.
A cast iron skillet helps create crispy edges while keeping the center moist.
Pecan wood is mild and sweet; hickory or oak will make the smoke flavor stronger.
You can bake this instead at 350°F for 1 hour if you don't have a smoker.
Add cheddar cheese inside the loaf for a cheesy version.
To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free crackers.