Bourbon-and-Coke Meatloaf

Let's get one thing straight. I really don't like meatloaf in general. A loaf of meat (often dried out) without much flavor, just isn't my thing. I decided to give this one a shot though due to some favorable reviews. It was worth the risk because this one is nothing short of outstanding. Incredibly moist with lots of unami and a bit of smokiness from the bourbon. The original recipe includes a black pepper gravy and suggests serving this as an open-faced sandwich with a fried egg on top. I'm sure that's good, but why bother?

One year ago: Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
Two years ago: Cosmopolitan Cupcakes
Three years ago: Carrot-Ginger Dressing
Four years ago: Spiced Chipotle Honey Chicken Breasts

Bourbon-and-Coke Meatloaf (from Smoke & Pickles)

Ingredients
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped onions
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1 garlic clove, minced
3 ounces bacon, diced
1 cup chopped button mushrooms
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp Coca-Cola
1 tbsp bourbon
1 tsp Worcestershire
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Glaze
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, and garlic and saute for 3 minutes, until softened.
3. Add bacon and mushroom and saute for another 4 minutes, until soft. Transfer to large bowl and let cool.
4. Add ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, yolk, ketchup, cola, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to bacon mixture. Mix until blended and transfer to a 9x5 loaf pan.
5. Mix together ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Brush on top of meatloaf.
6. Bake until internal temp of 145F or about 1 hour 10 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully drain off pan drippings.
7. Let cool before serving.