Imagine the comforting aroma of bison meatloaf wafting through your kitchen, with its savory blend of herbs and spices.
This easy-to-make dish offers a cozy, indulgent experience, perfect for any family dinner.
As the breadcrumbs soak up the milk, the bison mingles with onion, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, transforming into a flavorful loaf.
Let’s bring this hearty, American classic to life and enjoy a meal that feels like home.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cook & Prep Time
To manage your time efficiently while preparing and cooking the Bison Meatloaf, here’s a detailed timeline you can follow:
- Preparation Activities (Total: 30 minutes)
- 0:00 – 5:00: Gather all ingredients and equipment needed, and read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps.
- 5:00 – 10:00: Finely chop the onion and prepare the other ingredients (measure breadcrumbs, milk, and spices).
- 10:00 – 12:00: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 12:00 – 17:00: In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 5 minutes.
- 17:00 – 20:00: Beat the egg and prepare the remaining ingredients to add to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cooking Activities (Total: 1 hour 10 minutes)
- 20:00 – 25:00: Add ground bison, beaten egg, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme to the breadcrumb mixture and mix well.
- 25:00 – 30:00: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the loaf pan. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet.
- 30:00 – 1:30:00: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, checking periodically to confirm it reaches the internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Post-Cooking Activities (Total: 10 minutes)
- 1:30:00 – 1:40:00: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 5 minutes.
Add the ground bison, beaten egg, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
Mix all the ingredients until well combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan.
Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drippings.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich flavor of bison meatloaf perfectly.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of fresh, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans adds color and nutrition.
- Garden Salad: A light and invigorating garden salad provides a crisp contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs well with the savory meatloaf.
- Gravy: A drizzle of homemade gravy enhances the meatloaf’s flavor and adds moisture to each bite.
Storage
To store bison meatloaf, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container.
Store for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze bison meatloaf, allow it to cool completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Label with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat bison meatloaf, slice it into portions and use a microwave or oven.
Cover with foil to retain moisture.
Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
Bison meatloaf is a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish. It offers a leaner and slightly sweeter alternative to traditional beef meatloaf.
The use of ground bison not only adds a unique flavor but also provides a healthier option.
When preparing bison meatloaf, it’s essential to avoid overmixing the ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
Additionally, using a meat thermometer guarantees that the meatloaf is cooked to perfection.
Experimenting with herbs and spices can further enhance the dish, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste.
Whether served with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, bison meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy this American classic with a twist for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Beef for Bison in This Recipe?
You can substitute ground beef for bison. Choose lean beef to mimic bison’s flavor profile. Monitor cooking time, as beef may require slight adjustments. Ascertain internal temperature reaches 160°F. Enhance flavor with additional herbs or spices if desired.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Bison Meatloaf?
You can pair it with garlic mashed potatoes for a creamy texture, roasted Brussels sprouts for a nutty crunch, or a tangy coleslaw to balance flavors. Complement with red wine for a complete culinary experience.
Is Bison Meat Healthier Than Beef?
You’ll find bison healthier than beef, with less fat and calories but more protein and iron. It delivers a rich, slightly sweet flavor profile. Opt for bison if you’re looking for a nutrient-dense, flavorful alternative.
Where Can I Purchase Ground Bison?
You’ll find ground bison at specialty grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or online retailers. Check the meat section labeled “game” or “alternative meats.” Look for a lean cut with a slightly sweet, rich flavor profile, similar to beef.
How Can I Make the Meatloaf Spicier?
To increase spice levels, incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes. Integrate finely chopped jalapeños or habaneros for heat. Balance with additional ketchup or a sweet glaze to enhance flavor complexity.
Bison Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the ground bison, beaten egg, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan.
- Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drippings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
