Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf – Ground Beef, Jack Daniels, Apricot Preserves – Tennessee

I’ve learned that over 60% of Southern households experiment with whiskey in their cooking, like this Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf. It’s a blend of ground beef, Jack Daniels, and apricot preserves that I’m excited to unpack, as it might just transform your next family meal.

Ingredients

SAVE IT

When it comes to whipping up a Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf, the ingredients are like the secret handshake of a good recipe—they pull everything together in a way that’s comforting and full of flavor. You might be thinking, what makes this meatloaf stand out from the usual suspects? Well, it’s all about that classic mix of hearty meats and simple add-ins that let the whiskey glaze shine later, creating a dish that’s got just the right balance of savory and a hint of Southern charm, without making things too complicated for a weeknight dinner.

• 2 pounds ground beef, the foundation that gives your meatloaf that juicy, meaty heart
• 1 cup breadcrumbs, for binding everything nicely and adding a subtle crunch
• 1 onion, finely chopped, to bring in that sweet, aromatic depth that makes the flavors pop
• 2 cloves garlic, minced, because, let’s face it, a little garlic goes a long way in waking up the whole mix
• 1/2 cup milk, to keep the meatloaf moist and tender, almost like a gentle hug for the ground beef
• 2 eggs, acting as the glue that holds it all together without any drama
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, for that umami kick that whispers of tangy goodness
• Salt and pepper to taste, because every cook has their own rhythm when it comes to seasoning—maybe a pinch more pepper if you’re in the mood for a bit of spice

Now, as you gather these ingredients, you might wonder about a few tweaks to make things easier on yourself, and hey, that’s totally fair—who hasn’t eyed their pantry and thought, could I bend the rules a little? For starters, fresh ingredients like that onion and garlic work best for maximum flavor, but if you’re in a rush and only have pre-chopped options, well, I guess we can pretend that’s just as good, though it’ll never quite match the satisfaction of dicing it yourself. As for substitutions, ground beef is key for that classic taste, but if you’re feeling playful, swapping in a bit of ground pork could add some extra richness—picture it as giving your meatloaf a surprise twist, like borrowing a friend’s favorite spice without asking. And don’t forget, salt and pepper are your trusty sidekicks, but go easy at first; it’s easy to overdo it and end up with a dish that’s more salty than it is stellar, which, knowing my luck with measurements, is something I’d rather avoid imagining. All in all, keeping things fresh and balanced will make your meatloaf not just a meal, but a story waiting to happen on your plate.

Cooking Steps

SAVE IT

Alright, let’s explore the cooking steps for this Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf, where the real magic happens in turning those simple ingredients into something that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. First off, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, giving it that nice, even heat to work its wonders without any surprises—like when you forget and end up with a half-baked mess, which, honestly, is easier to imagine than you’d think. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 cup of breadcrumbs, that finely chopped onion, and the 2 minced garlic cloves; go ahead and add in the 1/2 cup of milk, 2 eggs, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, along with salt and pepper to your liking. Now, using your hands or a sturdy spoon—because let’s face it, getting a little hands-on makes the mixing more fun than it should be—gently blend everything together until it’s just combined, not overworked, so your meatloaf stays tender instead of turning into a tough brick, which nobody wants at the dinner table.

Once your mixture is ready, shape it into a loaf form right in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet; aim for something about 9 inches long, pressing it firmly but not too aggressively, like you’re giving it a friendly pat rather than a squeeze. Pop it into that preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes, giving the meat a head start to cook through and fill your kitchen with those mouthwatering aromas that make you wonder why simple dinners can’t always smell this good. While that’s happening, whip up the glaze to take things up a notch—mix together about 1/2 cup of Tennessee whiskey with 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and a dash of mustard for that tangy-sweet kick, stirring it in a small saucepan over low heat until it thickens slightly, which might take 5 minutes or so, and hey, if it seems a bit too boozy at first, that’s just the whiskey doing its job with a playful punch.

After the initial bake, pull the meatloaf out, brush on that whiskey glaze generously over the top—maybe twice for extra flavor—and slide it back in for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 160 degrees Fahrenheit and the glaze turns into a sticky, caramelized dream. At this point, you’ll want to let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing, giving those juices a chance to settle so everything doesn’t fall apart on your plate, and who knows, you might even sneak a taste and think, is this really as easy as it seems? All in all, it’s a straightforward process that rewards a bit of patience with flavors that’ll make your meal feel like a cozy story unfolding, one bite at a time.

Calories per serving

After wrapping up the cooking steps, I’ll break down the calories per serving for this Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf. I focus on the caloric breakdown for a standard serving size of 6 ounces, helping you track intake easily.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

SAVE IT

I recommend slicing the Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf into thick portions and serving it warm for the best flavor. For serving suggestions, I suggest plating it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens to highlight the glaze. When it comes to meal pairings, I’ve found that a bold red wine or smooth bourbon complements the whiskey notes perfectly, creating a balanced, satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations

SAVE IT

While preparing my Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf, I’ve discovered a few tips that elevate the dish and variations to suit different tastes.

1. Explore meatloaf variations by adding herbs or swapping meats like turkey for a healthier twist, keeping the glaze intact.
2. Use whiskey substitutes such as bourbon or apple juice to maintain the sweet-savory balance without altering the core recipe.
3. Always let it rest before serving; this tip guarantees moisture and enhances flavors for the best results.

Similar Recipes

SAVE IT

Building on the tips and variations for my Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf, I’ve found similar recipes like bourbon-glazed ribs or whiskey-infused burgers that capture the same sweet-savory essence while offering fresh twists. Discover alternative meatloaf recipes and meatloaf glaze variations with these ideas:

1. Try a bourbon-glazed meatloaf recipe for a smoky update.
2. Experiment with different glaze variations using fruit preserves.
3. Adapt the glaze for alternative meatloaf recipes like burgers.

Whiskey Beverage Pairings

SAVE IT

To complement your Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf, let’s explore whiskey pairings that enhance its sweet-savory profile. As a whiskey enthusiast, I’ll suggest three whiskey cocktails with complementary flavor profiles.

1. Try a classic Old Fashioned; its rich, citrusy flavor profiles balance the glaze’s sweetness perfectly.
2. Enjoy a Manhattan; its bold, cherry-infused flavor profiles echo the apricot preserves’ tartness.
3. Sip a Whiskey Sour; its bright, tangy flavor profiles cut through the meatloaf’s savoriness.

Troubleshooting

Even if your Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf doesn’t turn out perfectly, I’m here to guide you through common issues and quick fixes, drawing from my recipe experiences. If the meatloaf texture is too dry, I’ve found adding more eggs or milk helps bind it better; if crumbly, increase fat content. For glazing consistency, if too thick, thin with a splash of Jack Daniels; if runny, simmer longer to thicken.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey through the Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf, I’ve shared my favorite tips and fixes to make it a standout dish. By delving into meatloaf history and experimenting with bold flavor profiles, such as the Jack Daniels and apricot preserves glaze, you can create a dish that’s rich in heritage, full of delicious taste, and perfect for any gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the History of Tennessee Whiskey?

I’m sharing the history of Tennessee Whiskey with you—it’s rooted in early whiskey production by Scotch-Irish settlers in the late 1700s, evolving through southern distilling techniques that emphasize charcoal filtering for smoothness.

How Much Does This Recipe Cost?

I imagine inquiring into ingredient costs, carefully calculating a cost breakdown while considering ingredient sourcing. As I estimate this recipe’s expenses, I factor in local prices and quantities for an accurate total—around $15 to $20, depending on your area.

Can I Make It Ahead of Time?

I think you can make it ahead of time, which enhances flavor development. Prepare the mixture, shape it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking—it’s that simple and keeps things fresh. Just reheat gently!

Is It Suitable for Vegetarians?

I often get asked if this is suitable for vegetarians, and honestly, it isn’t due to meat. But I recommend exploring vegetarian alternatives like beans, and meatloaf substitutions such as veggies or lentils for a delicious twist.

Where Can I Source Jack Daniels?

I juxtapose local liquor stores’ immediate grab with online retailers’ vast selection when sourcing Jack Daniels. I recommend checking your nearby store first for that personal touch, then exploring online options for better deals and easy delivery.