Bourbon Meatloaf with Cracker Crust, Creamy Corn Gravy, and Garlicky Green Beans

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 190 °C / 375 °F. Lightly grease a loaf pan or small baking tray.

2. 2

   In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add 120 g (about 3/4 cup) chopped onion and 12 g chopped garlic. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked onion and garlic, beaten egg, 80 ml (1/3 cup) milk, 30 g (2 tablespoons) tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, 60 ml (1/4 cup) bourbon, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 40 g crushed saltine crackers. Mix just until combined.

4. 4

   Shape the mixture into a loaf in the pan or on the tray. Mix the remaining crushed crackers with 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Press this mixture over the top of the meatloaf to form the crust.

5. 5

   Bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 190 °C / 375 °F, until the center reaches 71 °C / 160 °F. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

6. 6

   While the meatloaf bakes, make the gravy. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the remaining onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

7. 7

   Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, the remaining 20 ml (4 teaspoons) bourbon, and the remaining 40 ml milk. Add the sweet corn, heavy cream, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until thickened. Adjust salt if needed.

8. 8

   For the green beans, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the remaining garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cook 4 to 5 minutes more until the beans are tender but still crisp.

9. 9

   Slice the meatloaf and serve hot with the creamy corn gravy spooned over or alongside. Finish the green beans with fresh parsley and serve them next to the meatloaf.