Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary adventure that combines the rich, gamey taste of venison with the irresistible crispiness of bacon! These mini meatloafs are not just a meal - they're a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to a gourmet wilderness experience. Perfect for hunters, food enthusiasts, and anyone looking to impress their dinner guests with a unique and delectable dish that screams rustic elegance and bold taste.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground venison
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Divide the venison mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a small loaf, about the size of your palm.
- Take the bacon and cut it in half. Wrap each mini meatloaf with a half slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon overlaps slightly. This will help keep the meatloaf moist and add delicious flavor.
- Place the bacon-wrapped mini meatloafs on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking.
- Brush the tops of the meatloafs with BBQ sauce, using about 1 tablespoon per meatloaf. This will add a nice glaze and flavor during cooking.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloafs reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the mini meatloafs from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a juicier bite.
- Serve the bacon-wrapped venison mini meatloafs warm, drizzled with additional BBQ sauce if desired, alongside your favorite sides.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground venison for the best flavor - fresher is always better!
- Don't overwork the meat mixture; gentle mixing keeps the meatloafs tender and juicy.
- Use thin-cut bacon for optimal wrapping and crispiness.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness - 160°F is the sweet spot for food safety.
- Let the meatloafs rest after cooking to lock in those delicious juices.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces to customize the flavor profile.
- If venison is too gamey for your taste, mix it with ground beef to mellow the flavor.
- For extra moisture, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- Serve with complementary sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the rich meat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
