Name: The Best Bourbon Glaze Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American cuisine
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); ½ lb ground pork; 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; ½ cup whole milk; 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup bourbon; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Get ready to fall in love with meatloaf all over again! The Best Bourbon Glaze Meatloaf is absolutely unforgettable - tender, juicy, and bursting with savory flavor, all wrapped up in a sweet, sticky bourbon glaze that's downright irresistible.

This isn't your average meatloaf. The glaze caramelizes in the oven, soaking into each slice and adding a warm, smoky-sweet finish you'll crave. Ground beef and pork keep it moist, while a splash of bourbon brings a hint of Southern charm.

It's simple enough for a weeknight family dinner, but impressive enough for entertaining. If you're looking for a comforting main dish that always brings people back for seconds, this is your new go-to.

Inspired by a classic Southern supper and my love for bold flavors, this recipe never fails to wow at our table.

A platter with thick slices of moist, glistening meatloaf drizzled in bourbon glaze

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Juicy and flavorful every time - no more dry, bland meatloaf!
Rich bourbon glaze transforms classic comfort into a showstopper main.
Easy to make ahead - perfect for meal-prep or gatherings.
Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly, even for picky eaters.

Key Ingredients for The Best Bourbon Glaze Meatloaf

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

The base of our meatloaf is quality ground beef, ideally 80/20 for plenty of flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef works in a pinch but may result in a drier loaf. Gently mix the meat to avoid a dense texture.

Ground Pork

Adding ground pork lightens the meatloaf and adds subtle sweetness and extra moisture. If you prefer, you can use all beef, but pork gives the best balance. Ground turkey also works for a lighter take - just note it won't be quite as rich.

Bourbon

Bourbon is the star of the glaze, lending vanilla, caramel, and smoky notes to every bite. Use a decent bourbon you like to drink (it doesn't have to be top-shelf!). For a non-alcoholic version, substitute apple juice - but the flavor won't be quite as complex.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth to the glaze, helping it caramelize beautifully. Either light or dark brown sugar will work. Maple syrup is a tasty alternative for a different twist.

Worcestershire Sauce

A few tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce infuse the meatloaf with umami and complexity. Soy sauce is a fine substitute if you're out, but it will yield a slightly different taste.

The Best Bourbon Glaze Meatloaf cooking process

Instructions for The Best Bourbon Glaze Meatloaf

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Mix the Meatloaf

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a fork to gently blend everything until just combined - don't overmix or the loaf will be dense.

Shape and Prep

Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf about 8 by 4 inches and set it in the center of the pan. Make sure the surface is smooth so the glaze will coat it evenly.

Make the Bourbon Glaze

In a medium saucepan, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Glaze and Bake

Brush half the glaze over the meatloaf, covering the top and sides. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Remove from oven, brush with remaining glaze, and return to oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the center registers 160°F.

Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. This keeps the juices inside and the slices neat. Slice thickly and serve with extra glaze from the pan.

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a gentle kick that balances the sweetness.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for the regular breadcrumbs. Be sure that your Worcestershire and soy sauces are also gluten-free.

Sweeten It Up

Swap out brown sugar for pure maple syrup or honey in the glaze for a different, nuanced sweetness and a stickier finish.

Turkey Meatloaf

Exchange the ground beef and pork for lean ground turkey to lighten things up. Keep an eye on doneness, as turkey cooks faster and can dry out more quickly.

Mini Meatloaves

Instead of a single large loaf, form individual mini loaves or bake in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned, faster-cooking servings.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a classic comfort-food plate. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. It also makes a stellar sandwich filling with crusty bread and extra glaze.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 15 minutes). You can freeze the whole cooked loaf or individual slices for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Bourbon Glaze Meatloaf (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this meatloaf without bourbon?

A: Absolutely! Substitute apple juice or beef broth for bourbon. The glaze will still be tasty, though a bit less complex.

Q: How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?

A: Use enough binder like eggs and breadcrumbs, and let the loaf rest after baking to help set and slice cleanly.

Q: Can I prep this meatloaf ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble and shape the uncooked loaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Glaze and bake as directed.

This is hands-down the juiciest, most flavorful meatloaf you'll ever make. If you're craving classic comfort with a little extra flair, The Best Bourbon Glaze Meatloaf truly delivers. Give it a try for your next family dinner, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating to let me know how it turned out!

Why You'll Love This Recipe