Gather ’round, my fellow flavor enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a true culinary classic that’s been given a modern, whiskey-infused twist. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup – the Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack. This dish is a harmonious blend of juicy, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Why You’ll Love This Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack
This Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack is a cozy, indulgent dish that checks all the boxes for a truly craveable comfort meal. The meatloaf is infused with the warm, bold flavor of whiskey, while the crispy, golden-brown bacon adds a delightful smoky and salty element. The melty, cheesy center and the creamy, zesty glaze on top create a lush, velvety texture that’ll have you going back for seconds (or thirds!). This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends on a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients
This Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack features a mouthwatering blend of ground beef, savory bacon, aromatic onions, garlic, and a whiskey-infused glaze that ties it all together. The ingredients are simple, but the flavors are anything but ordinary.
- 1 1/2 lbs – Ground beef
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup – Milk
- 1 – Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 12 slices – Bacon
- 1/2 cup – Ketchup
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp – Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp – Whiskey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or a combination of ground beef and pork (for a richer flavor)
- Bacon: Crumbled sausage (for a meatier texture)
How to Make Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack
Let’s get started on this flavor-packed masterpiece!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Divide the meatloaf mixture into two equal portions and shape them into oval loaves. Wrap each loaf with the bacon slices, overlapping them slightly. Place the wrapped loaves onto a baking sheet and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatloaf is cooked through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the whiskey glaze by combining the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and whiskey in a small saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and stacking the layers. Drizzle the warm whiskey glaze over the top, and you’re ready to serve!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of indulgence, you can top the Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Melty Cheese Center: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the center of the meatloaf for a delightful, gooey surprise.
- Whiskey Swap: Try using a smoky Scotch or a smooth bourbon in the glaze for a unique flavor twist.
- Fresh Topping: Garnish the Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack with chopped parsley or a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce for a pop of freshness.
- Dietary Swap: Omit the bacon and use a plant-based protein, such as lentils or mushrooms, for a meatless version.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, or your favorite roasted vegetables.
Storage: Store any leftover Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The meatloaf mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack is a comforting and indulgent dish, but it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. A single serving provides a good source of protein, along with essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. The combination of ground beef, bacon, and the whiskey-infused glaze does contribute to a higher calorie and fat content, so be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy this dish as an occasional treat.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without the whiskey?
Absolutely! If you prefer to omit the whiskey, you can simply replace it with an equal amount of beef or chicken broth in the glaze. The meatloaf will still be deliciously flavorful without the whiskey.
Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The meatloaf mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to wrap the bacon around the loaves right before baking for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Certainly! While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and pork for a slightly different flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?
To save some money, you can use a leaner cut of ground beef or opt for a less expensive type of whiskey. You can also reduce the amount of bacon used or replace it with a less costly protein, such as ground sausage.
Can I freeze the Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack?
Yes, you can! Once the meatloaf has cooled completely, simply wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven until heated through.
Try These Next
- ultimate bbq bacon cheeseburger stacks with slaw
- bacon maple pancake stacks with whipped cream drizzle
- smoky bourbon bbq bacon cheeseburger stack
Whiskey Bacon Meatloaf Stack
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty meatloaf infused with whiskey and crispy bacon, stacked with layers of flavor. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup whiskey
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, whiskey, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
5. Spread the barbecue sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Pair with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatloaf, whiskey, bacon, comfort food