Description
Prepare to experience a flavor sensation like no other with this Whiskey Glazed Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Meatloaf. This irresistible dish combines the classic comfort of meatloaf with the indulgent toppings of a bacon cheeseburger, all infused with a tantalizing whiskey glaze.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Choose a high-quality, freshly ground beef that will provide the perfect texture and flavor for your meatloaf. You can opt for a leaner cut or a blend of different cuts, depending on your personal preference.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf and give it a tender, cohesive texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko for a crisper, more distinctive crunch.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the meatloaf together and preventing it from falling apart.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: These aromatic seasonings infuse the meatloaf with depth of flavor, elevating the overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper: A simple seasoning of salt and black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the perfect choice to capture the cheeseburger element of this dish, melting into the center of the meatloaf for a gooey, cheesy surprise.
- Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a delightful smoky and savory touch, mimicking the bacon topping of a classic cheeseburger.
- Barbecue Sauce: The barbecue sauce provides a sweet and tangy base for the whiskey glaze, complementing the other flavors beautifully.
- Whiskey: A touch of whiskey in the glaze adds a sophisticated, complex flavor profile to the dish. If you prefer to omit the alcohol, you can substitute with apple juice.
- Ketchup: Ketchup adds a familiar, comforting element to the glaze, balancing the sweetness and acidity.
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
3. Flatten the meatloaf mixture into a rectangular shape. Layer the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon in the center, then carefully roll the meatloaf around the filling to enclose it, forming a loaf shape.
4. In a saucepan, whisk together the barbecue sauce, whiskey (or apple juice), and ketchup. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded.
5. Place the stuffed meatloaf in a baking pan and brush the top and sides with the prepared whiskey glaze. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the meatloaf with the remaining glaze halfway through the baking time.
6. Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when combining the meatloaf ingredients to prevent the ground beef from becoming dense and tough.
Adjust the Glaze: If the glaze seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne pepper, to customize the meatloaf to your liking.
Prevent Dryness: Basting the meatloaf with the glaze during baking helps keep it moist and juicy. You can also try adding a bit of beef or chicken broth to the pan for extra moisture.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 90