Sriracha-Infused Meatloaf

The spice from the sauce, the smokiness from the bacon, the flavor of the BBQ sauce. All of this comes together in a medley of flavors that take an old favorite into a new must have dish.

I feel confident in saying that every household has had meatloaf. And there have been probably just as many varieties of that classic dish. From variations on the meat to the addition of cheese in the middle, the meatloaf is basic comfort food and conforms to whatever your tastebuds require. This version kicks up the spice while retaining that wonderful feeling of home.

SOFTWARE

·         2 lbs. ground beef (90/10 if you can find it)

·         1/2 medium yellow onion, diced

·         1 T. minced garlic

·         3/4 c. Panko breadcrumbs

·         1/2 c. sriracha sauce

·         1 egg

·         1 t. fresh ground black pepper

·         1 t. kosher salt

·         6-8 slices of bacon

·         Your favorite BBQ sauce

METHOD

1.       Heat the oven to 325 degrees.

2.       In a large bowl, mix everything EXCEPT the bacon and BBQ sauce. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients, but don’t overwork it. Just bring everything together.

3.       Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.

4.       Put the meat mixture in a loaf pan, but don’t press down too hard. Turn the loaf pan over onto the baking sheet and remove the pan, leaving behind the meatloaf.

5.       Cover the top of the meatloaf with a single layer of bacon, slightly overlapping the slices.

6.       Use a probe thermometer, placing the probe at a 45-degree angle and not letting it touch the pan, and set for 155 degrees. Cook to temperature.

7.       Once finished, remove from the oven, and let it rest for about 5 minutes. During this time, drizzle the BBQ sauce across the top.

8.       Using an electric or serrated knife, cut into slices and serve.

9.       Enjoy.

VARIANTS

If sriracha isn’t your flavor friend, you can use catsup or tomato sauce (if you don’t want the sugar from catsup). If you do change it out, consider adding some other flavors, like thyme, chili powder, or an Italian blend of spices. Any leftovers are great the next day, either as they are or in a sandwich. Try using an English muffin for your sandwich container. You can thank me later.