Prepare to indulge in a masterpiece of culinary delight – the Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf. This refined and sophisticated dish is a harmonious blend of comforting flavors and elegant presentation, crafted to elevate your dining experience. As the refined culinary mind behind CrennRecipes.com, I invite you to explore this sensory-rich creation that celebrates the art of sophisticated indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf
This irresistible meatloaf combines the ultimate comfort of a classic smashburger with the decadence of maple and the fresh, creamy tang of ranch dressing. The gourmet blend of ground beef, savory bacon, and a harmonious medley of spices creates a luscious, flavorful base. Topped with a heavenly maple glaze and nestled between soft, pillowy buns, this dish is a true testament to the art of elegant comfort food.
Ingredients
The key ingredients that make this Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf a refined culinary delight include ground beef, thick-cut bacon, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. The maple glaze is a simple yet indulgent mixture of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- 2 lbs (900g) – Ground beef
- 8 slices – Thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup (240ml) – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 medium – Onion, diced
- 1 tsp (5ml) – Salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and ground pork — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs or almond flour — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet or casserole dish with a light coating of non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked and crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, diced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Using your hands or a large spoon, shape the meatloaf mixture into a rectangular loaf and transfer it to the prepared baking dish.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Bake the meatloaf for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 10 minutes of baking, prepare the maple glaze by combining the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and generously brush the top and sides with the maple glaze. Return the meatloaf to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the meatloaf is heated through.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches (if needed)
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve the Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf on soft, pillowy buns, topped with a dollop of creamy ranch dressing and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a beautiful presentation.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Smash It Up: For a true smashburger experience, you can shape the meatloaf mixture into individual patties and cook them on a hot griddle or cast-iron skillet, smashing them down with a spatula to create a delightful crust.
- Slice and Serve: Alternatively, you can slice the baked meatloaf into thick “burger” slices and assemble the sandwiches.
- Cheesy Goodness: To add even more flavor, consider incorporating shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the meatloaf mixture.
- Customize to Your Taste: The possibilities are endless for customizing this decadent dish to suit your taste preferences.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or creamy coleslaw.
Storage: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: The meatloaf can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Nutrition Information
This Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf is a satisfying and wholesome dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes, as the dish does contain ingredients like bacon and cheese that can be higher in fat and calories.
- Serving Size: 1 meatloaf sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to ensure the meatloaf stays moist and tender?
To keep the meatloaf moist and tender, be sure not to overmix the ingredients, as this can lead to a dense, dry texture. Additionally, basting the meatloaf with the maple glaze during the final baking stage helps to lock in moisture and add a delicious, caramelized crust.
Can I make this meatloaf in advance and reheat it later?
Absolutely! This Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf is an excellent make-ahead option. You can prepare the meatloaf mixture, shape it, and bake it in advance. Then, simply reheat the cooked meatloaf in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve it, and apply the maple glaze during the final heating stage.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with an equal amount of almond flour or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. This will provide the same binding properties without the gluten.
Can I substitute the ground beef for a different protein?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and ground pork. These alternatives will still provide a delicious and satisfying meatloaf experience, while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
What side dishes pair well with the Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, such as a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or a creamy coleslaw. The comforting and indulgent nature of the meatloaf also makes it a perfect match for classic comfort food sides like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
Try These Next
- Maple Bourbon Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
- Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Whiskey Maple Glazed Bacon Studded Meatloaf
Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf, a refined twist on a classic comfort dish. This meatloaf is infused with the savory goodness of bacon and the sweetness of maple, topped with a creamy ranch sauce for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, maple syrup, ranch dressing, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle additional maple syrup over the top before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches, Burgers & Melts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg