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Brown Sugar Bourbon Meatloaf

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This Brown Sugar Bourbon Meatloaf features juicy beef and pork, a sticky caramelized glaze, and a cozy, nostalgic flavor with a grown-up twist. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for family meals or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, or use all beef)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs (or crushed saltines)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice for non-alcoholic)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • A few dashes hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish or mixing in)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment if making a free-form loaf.
  2. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to soak.
  3. Add ground beef, ground pork (if using), onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika to the soaked breadcrumbs. Gently mix until just combined.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan and shape into a loaf. If free-form, shape into a loaf about 2 inches high on the baking sheet.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened and glossy (about 4-5 minutes). Set aside half the glaze for serving.
  6. Spoon half the glaze over the meatloaf and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven, brush with remaining glaze (reserve a few spoonfuls for serving if desired), and return to oven. Bake another 20-25 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (70°C).
  8. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. Slice and serve with extra glaze and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs or oats. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute apple juice or cola for bourbon. Don’t overmix the meat for a tender loaf. Double the glaze if you love extra sauce. Let the loaf rest before slicing for best results. Leftovers are great for sandwiches and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar bourbon, beef dinner, comfort food, easy meatloaf, glazed meatloaf, family dinner, bourbon glaze, ground beef, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/brown-sugar-bourbon-meatloaf-recipe-easy-homemade-beef-dinner/