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

I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with Southern classics, and this Tennessee whiskey-glazed meatloaf, featuring ground beef, Jack Daniels, and apricot preserves, brings a unique twist to the table. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a flavor story waiting to unfold. Let’s see how it all comes together.

Ingredients

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Alright, folks, let’s delve into the heart of this Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf—because who doesn’t love a recipe that brings a little Southern charm to the table, right? We’re talking about ingredients that turn simple ground beef into something downright irresistible, with that whiskey glaze adding a touch of smoky sweetness that’ll have you wondering why you haven’t tried this sooner. It’s all about balancing flavors that hug your taste buds, from the savory meat base to the tangy kick in the topping, and honestly, putting it all together feels like a fun little adventure in the kitchen, even if I’m the type to second-guess my measuring skills sometimes.

• 2 pounds of ground beef (opt for 80% lean for that juicy texture without too much grease, you know?)
• 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs (these help bind everything, making the loaf hold its shape like a pro)
• 2 large eggs (they act as the glue that keeps the mixture from falling apart, fresh ones work best for that extra fluff)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup, for that sweet, subtle crunch that builds flavor from the ground up)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (don’t skimp here; it’s the secret whisper of aroma that makes everything pop)
• 1/2 cup of milk (whole milk adds moisture and a creamy touch, but any will do in a pinch)
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce (this stuff brings umami depth, like a savory hug for your meatloaf)
• 1 teaspoon of salt (table salt is fine, but adjust if your Worcestershire is already salty)
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (freshly ground if you can, for that little zing that wakes up the palate)
• For the glaze: 1/2 cup of Tennessee whiskey (the good stuff, like Jack Daniel’s, for authentic flavor without overwhelming the dish)
• 1/2 cup of ketchup (as the base of the glaze, it adds tang and sticks just right)
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar (packed, for that caramelized sweetness that balances the whiskey’s edge)
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard (it cuts through the richness with a mild heat, keeping things interesting)
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (just a splash to brighten the glaze and add a playful tartness)

Now, when it comes to these ingredients, there are a few things worth mulling over, like how substitutions can save the day if you’re in a bind—or dealing with dietary quirks. For instance, if gluten’s not your friend, swap those breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones without missing a beat, though I might joke that my own attempts at perfect swaps sometimes end up a tad mysterious. Have you ever thought about how fresh herbs, like a handful of chopped parsley, could sneak in for extra color and a peppery note? And let’s not forget about portion sizes; this recipe serves about 6 to 8 folks, so scale back if it’s just you and a buddy, or double up for leftovers that taste even better the next day. Plus, always check for allergies—nuts aren’t in this list, but cross-contamination can happen, and nobody wants a surprise that puts a damper on the fun.

Cooking Steps

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Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—turning those ingredients into a mouthwatering meatloaf that might just become your new favorite dinner. First off, start by pre-mixing 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to gently combine everything, but don’t overwork it, or you’ll end up with a tough loaf instead of that tender, juicy bite we’re aiming for—think of it as giving the mixture a friendly squeeze, not a wrestling match. Once it’s all mixed, shape the blend into a loaf form on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan, which helps it hold together nicely during baking.

Now, for the glaze that really makes this dish sing, whisk together 1/2 cup of Tennessee whiskey, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until it’s smooth and glossy. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the meatloaf in the oven, and bake it for about 45 minutes before brushing on half of that whiskey glaze—it’s like giving it a sweet, tangy hug midway through. Let it bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F, so you get that perfect caramelized top without drying out the inside.

And here’s a quick tip to keep things lighthearted—if you’re like me and sometimes second-guess the timing, use a meat thermometer to check; it’s a game-changer that saves you from that “did I overcook it?” panic. Once it’s done, pull it out and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing, which allows the flavors to settle and makes serving a breeze. Who knew a simple meatloaf could feel this rewarding, right?

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

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Once you’ve pulled your whiskey-glazed meatloaf from the oven, I’ll share my favorite ways to serve and pair it for a memorable meal. I love slicing it thickly with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh greens for a hearty plate. For Wine Pairings, choose a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the glaze. Occasion Ideas include family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend feasts.

Tips and Variations

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Now that we’ve covered serving ideas, I’ll share tips to tweak this whiskey-glazed meatloaf for your preferences. Let’s explore variations that bring joy and personalization.

• For a Vegetarian Twist, swap beef for lentils and rediscover comforting flavors with a lighter heart.
• Embrace the Slow Cooker Option to savor aromas that wrap your home in warmth and nostalgia.
• Add fresh herbs to evoke a sense of garden-fresh excitement in every bite.
• Experiment with spicier glazes to ignite adventurous thrills and family smiles.
• Try gluten-free swaps to foster inclusive gatherings and heartfelt connections.

Calories per serving

Understanding the nutritional side of my Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf is key, so let’s dive into the calories per serving. I use calorie tracking to bust nutritional myths, like thinking this dish is overly indulgent. It helps me stay balanced. Here’s a breakdown:

This makes calorie tracking simple and empowers your choices.

Tools

Troubleshooting

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What if your meatloaf crumbles or the glaze won’t thicken? I’ll help troubleshoot that. For crumbling, mix ingredients thoroughly and perform allergy checks for items like apricot preserves. If the glaze is thin, simmer longer on low heat while stirring constantly. Don’t forget storage solutions: use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly to keep it fresh and safe.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey through Tennessee Whiskey-Glazed Meatloaf, I’ve highlighted key steps from prepping ingredients to troubleshooting glitches, ensuring you’re set for a flavorful, foolproof dish that’ll become a family favorite. In my final thoughts, let’s consider the cultural impact; this recipe honors Tennessee’s spirit with Jack Daniels, blending tradition and innovation for memorable dinners that echo Southern roots.