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Flavorful Whiskey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

whiskey glazed bacon-wrapped meatloaf - featured image
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A comforting and flavorful meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a sweet and tangy whiskey sauce, perfect for a special yet easy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/3 cup whiskey (bourbon recommended)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 8–10 slices thick-cut bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture to an 8×4-inch loaf pan or shape it free-form on a rimmed baking sheet into a 9×5-inch loaf. Press lightly to compact but do not pack tightly.
  4. Lay bacon slices over the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath to cover the top and sides.
  5. In a small saucepan, mix whiskey, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and chili flakes. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Let cool slightly.
  6. Brush about half of the whiskey glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
  7. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. Then brush on the remaining glaze and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Apply the glaze in two stages for a sticky, caramelized finish. Rest the meatloaf before slicing to retain juices. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour. For dairy-free, use milk alternatives. Thick-cut bacon can be partially cooked before wrapping for better crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, bacon-wrapped, whiskey glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, savory, smoky, sweet glaze

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/flavorful-whiskey-glazed-bacon-wrapped-meatloaf-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/