Prepare to indulge in a culinary delight that seamlessly blends the comforting familiarity of meatloaf with the refined elegance of a gourmet creation. Introducing the Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight – a dish that will transport you to a cozy, yet sophisticated realm where every bite promises a symphony of flavors and a sense of pure contentment.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight
Elevating the classic meatloaf to new heights, this delectable dish offers a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors. The rich, tender meatloaf is infused with the irresistible smokiness of bacon and the delicate sweetness of pure maple syrup, creating a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. Visually stunning, this meatloaf delight is a true work of art, sure to impress your family and guests with its refined presentation. Indulge in the ultimate comfort food elevated to new levels of elegance and sophistication.
Ingredients
Prepare to immerse yourself in a symphony of flavors with the carefully curated ingredients that make up this Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight. From the juicy ground beef to the fragrant spices, every element comes together to create a truly irresistible dish.
- 1 lb (450 g) – Ground Beef
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 large – Egg
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) – Milk
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) – Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tsp (10 ml) – Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Onion Powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) – Black Pepper
- 6 slices – Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) – Pure Maple Syrup
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground Turkey or a Combination of Ground Beef and Pork — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight
Embark on a culinary journey as you bring this Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight to life in your own kitchen. Each step is meticulously crafted to ensure a seamless cooking experience and a truly remarkable result.
Step 1 — Prepping the Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
Step 2 — Assembling the Meatloaf
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light coating of oil or nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared pan, gently pressing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 3 — Baking and Glazing
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the top of the meatloaf with the pure maple syrup, allowing it to caramelize and create a delectable glaze.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Remove the Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the meatloaf to set, ensuring a perfectly tender and juicy result.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Bacon Weave Topping: For an even more visually stunning presentation, arrange cooked bacon slices in a decorative weave pattern on top of the meatloaf before baking.
- Caramelized Onions: Sauté thinly sliced onions in a pan until deeply caramelized, then fold them into the meatloaf mixture for an additional layer of flavor.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: Create a pocket in the center of the meatloaf and fill it with your favorite melty cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Maple Glaze Variations: Experiment with different glaze flavors by substituting the maple syrup with honey, balsamic reduction, or a combination of barbecue sauce and brown sugar.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, and a drizzle of the reserved maple glaze for an elegant and comforting presentation.
Storage: Leftover Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, the meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat the meatloaf, simply place slices in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking.
Make-Ahead: This meatloaf can be prepared in advance and baked on the day of serving. Simply assemble the meatloaf, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Adjust the baking time as needed, as the chilled meatloaf may require a few additional minutes in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the comforting, gourmet flavors of the Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight without sacrificing your health. This dish strikes a delicate balance between satisfying your cravings and providing a nutritious, balanced meal. The combination of lean ground beef, wholesome breadcrumbs, and flavorful spices creates a nourishing base, while the maple glaze and bacon topping add a touch of indulgence without going overboard.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a combination of ground beef and pork, depending on your preferences and dietary needs.
How can I make this gluten-free?
To make the Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight gluten-free, simply replace the Panko breadcrumbs with an equal amount of gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This simple swap will ensure the dish is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or intolerances.
Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?
Yes, this meatloaf can be easily made ahead of time. Assemble the meatloaf, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer. Be sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf to get an accurate reading.
Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?
Absolutely! Leftover Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply allow the meatloaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.
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Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Smoky Maple Bacon Meatloaf Delight combines the rich flavors of smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup, creating a deliciously unique twist on a classic dish. Perfect for dinner!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and milk.
3. Add maple syrup, ketchup, onion, bell pepper, parsley, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
5. Top with crumbled bacon and drizzle with additional maple syrup.
6. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Notes
For extra flavor, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg