In the world of meat, bison stands out for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. Today, we're bringing this exceptional meat into your kitchen with a twist on a classic favorite: our classic Spicy Meatloaf. This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a foray into the delicious potential of bison meat, paired with the kick of spicy sausage to create a dish that's as nourishing as it is flavorful.
Ingredients
For this hearty meatloaf, you'll need:
2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
1 C Finely Chopped Onion
1/2 C Finely Chopped Green Onion
1 Carrot, Finely Chopped
1 Rib of Celery, Finely Chopped
1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
2/3 C Ketchup, Divided
2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 tsp Salt
1 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1 1/2 lbs Ground Bison
3/4 lb Ground Spicy Sausage (Pork)
1 C Bread Crumbs
1/3 C Minced Fresh Parsley
2 Large Eggs, Lightly Beaten
For the topping:
1/3 C Ketchup
3 Tbsp Brown Sugar
3 Tbsp Yellow Mustard
Preparation Overview
Preheat your oven to 350°F
In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, green onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture and let it cook until the onions are translucent and the mixture is fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then, cover the skillet, continuing to cook and stirring occasionally, until the carrot softens, which should take an additional 5 minutes.
To the skillet, add 1/3 cup of ketchup along with the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook just until the mixture is heated through.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground bison and ground spicy sausage with the cooked vegetable mixture from the skillet. Add the bread crumbs, minced fresh parsley, and lightly beaten eggs to the bowl. Gently mix everything together until well incorporated, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
Transfer the meatloaf mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased foil, shaping it into a loaf. Smooth out the top and sides with your hands or a spatula. Spread the remaining 1/3 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
Perfecting Your Meatloaf
Achieving the perfect meatloaf texture is all about balance. Mixing the ingredients until just combined prevents the meatloaf from becoming tough. Shaping the loaf on a cookie sheet allows for even cooking and a crust that's deliciously caramelized from the topping.
The Ideal Topping
The ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard topping isn't just a glaze; it's a flavor enhancer that bakes into a shiny, tangy crust, offering a sweet contrast to the savory meat.
Baking Tips
Baking the meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F ensures it's cooked through but still moist. Letting it rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
This Bison and Spicy Sausage Meatloaf serves up well with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans, making for a comforting and balanced meal.
Embrace the bold flavors of bison and spicy sausage in your next meal with this meatloaf recipe. It's a testament to the versatility and richness bison meat brings to the table, promising a dining experience that's both satisfying and uniquely flavorful.
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