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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

  • Total Time: 105 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Flavorful meatloaf with ground beef and pork, topped with homemade bourbon BBQ sauce and a crispy bacon weave.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 12 slices thick-cut bacon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bourbon BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar. For a tangier sauce, add a splash more apple cider vinegar. If you want more heat, add a pinch more cayenne pepper.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before using. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  5. Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, diced yellow onion, and diced green bell pepper.
  6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
  7. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the bowl.
  8. Using your hands (or a large spoon), gently combine all the ingredients until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix.
  9. Gently fold in the crumbled crispy bacon.
  10. Form and Bake the Meatloaf: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  11. Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
  12. Gently transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Shape it into an even loaf, pressing down lightly.
  13. Generously brush about half of the prepared Bourbon BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
  14. Create the Bacon Weave: Lay out 6 slices of bacon side by side on a sheet of parchment paper. Fold back every other slice of bacon. Place one slice of bacon perpendicular across the unfolded bacon slices. Unfold the folded bacon slices. Now, fold back the opposite bacon slices (the ones that were unfolded before). Place another slice of bacon perpendicular across the unfolded bacon slices. Unfold the folded bacon slices. Repeat this process until you have a bacon weave using all 12 slices of bacon.
  15. Carefully lift the bacon weave from the parchment paper and place it on top of the meatloaf, pressing it gently to adhere.
  16. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  17. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. While it’s resting, brush the remaining Bourbon BBQ sauce over the bacon weave topping.
  18. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the meatloaf and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra crumbled bacon.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Let the meatloaf rest after baking for optimal moisture and flavor.
  • Customize the Bourbon BBQ sauce to your liking.
  • Get creative with toppings!
  • Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes

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Find it online: https://www.homecookmaria.com/bourbon-bbq-bacon-meatloaf/