Heat the oil in a medium sauté pan. Add the chopped onions and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. The onions should be soft and translucent. Add the garlic and parsley and cook for 1 additional minute. Do not let the garlic burn. Remove from the heat.
Add the chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, paprika, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs and panko breadcrumbs. Stir to combine. Then, add the ground beef and the onion mixture. Using clean hands with gloves, gently mix to combine. Do not overwork the mixture or the meatloaf will be dense. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the aluminum pan with holes and shape it into a loaf.
Meatloaf is very porous and will easily absorb smoke. Good lump charcoal will produce enough smoke to flavor the meatloaf. For extra flavor, add a small handful of wood chips that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes.
Place the meatloaf pan directly on the smoker. Allow it to smoke for 3-4 hours, or until an instant-read meat thermometer reads a minimum internal temperature of 160°F.
While the meatloaf smokes, combine the barbecue sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard in a small saucepan. Heat on medium heat until smooth and slightly thickened.
During the last 30 minutes of cook time, brush the tangy BBQ glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf. The glaze will caramelize, creating a rich, bold flavor that complements the smoky meat.
Once the meatloaf reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the cooked meatloaf stays moist. Slice and serve with sides like mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort food experience.