Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with the warm, comforting aromas of Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf. This elegant, sophisticated dish combines the richness of ground beef, the sweetness of maple, and the salty, smoky notes of crispy bacon, creating a harmonious and irresistible masterpiece. Indulge in the cozy flavors of the season and elevate your holiday table with this refined comfort food delight.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf
Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet maple, and salty bacon creates a mouthwatering, satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds utterly delighted. This recipe is the perfect balance of elegance and indulgence, making it a showstopping centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Brimming with comforting flavors and a beautiful presentation, this meatloaf is sure to become a new holiday tradition in your household.
Ingredients
This Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf features a harmonious blend of high-quality ingredients that come together to create a truly exceptional dish. The foundation is made from ground beef, which is then enhanced with the sweetness of maple syrup, the richness of breadcrumbs, and the aromatic notes of sautéed onions and garlic. The dish is further elevated by the inclusion of crispy, savory bacon, which adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast. Finally, a touch of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce provide depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- 2 lbs (900 g) – ground beef
- 1 cup (240 ml) – breadcrumbs
- 2 large – eggs
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) – Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) – Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) – black pepper
- 1 medium – onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves – garlic, minced
- 8 slices – bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) – maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) – Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) – Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Meat: ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted for a crispier texture.
How to Make Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them for the cooking process. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble or chop it into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly distributed.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and transfer the meatloaf mixture into it, pressing it down gently to ensure an even shape. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top, gently pressing it into the glaze.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). During the last 10-15 minutes of baking, brush the meatloaf with the remaining glaze to create a beautiful, caramelized finish.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. Garnish the meatloaf with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs, if desired, for an elegant presentation.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Cheesy Goodness: Incorporate shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the meatloaf mixture for a delightfully gooey and indulgent texture.
- Savory Blend: Swap out the ground beef for a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a richer, more savory flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf for additional moisture and flavor.
- Sweetness Twist: Use a combination of maple syrup and honey in the glaze for a nuanced sweetness.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply slice the meatloaf and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The meatloaf can be prepared a day or two in advance, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf is a hearty, satisfying dish that provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of fat. The dish is a good source of essential nutrients, including iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. While the bacon and maple syrup add indulgence, the overall nutritional profile of the meatloaf makes it a well-rounded and nourishing addition to your holiday menu.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the meatloaf
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf in advance?
Absolutely! Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf can be prepared a day or two in advance. Simply assemble the meatloaf, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When ready to serve, remove the meatloaf from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
To ensure a juicy and tender meatloaf, be mindful not to overmix the ingredients, as this can result in a dense and dry texture. Additionally, basting the meatloaf with the glaze throughout the baking process will help keep it moist and flavorful.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While the classic ground beef works wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a leaner alternative. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat used.
How can I make this meatloaf healthier?
To reduce the overall fat and calorie content, consider using a leaner ground beef or substituting a portion of the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also reduce the amount of bacon used or opt for a lower-sodium variety.
What side dishes pair well with Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf?
Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of Thanksgiving-inspired side dishes. Some delicious options include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed green beans, cranberry sauce, and a fresh green salad.
Try These Next
- Maple Bacon Ranch Smashburger Meatloaf
- Maple Bourbon Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
- Whiskey Maple Glazed Bacon Studded Meatloaf
Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Maple Bacon Thanksgiving Meatloaf is a refined comfort dish that combines the savory flavors of bacon with the sweetness of maple syrup, perfect for your holiday table.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp sage
1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, maple syrup, bacon, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
5. Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle more maple syrup over the meatloaf before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Seasonal & Holiday Comfort
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg