
Jun 17, 2025
Ground Venison Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze
Recipe by Ross Deutsch
Classic comfort, cleaned up. This Maui Nui ground venison loaf is lean, structured, and deeply savory—finished with a naturally sweetened, tangy BBQ-style glaze inspired by the original Sweet Baby Ray’s. It’s all about balance: smoky, acidic, just enough sweetness, and zero compromise on flavor.
PREP TIME:
30 min.
COOK TIME:
30 min.
SERVES:
2
Ingredients
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- 1 lb Maui Nui Ground Venison
- 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 small Onion, finely grated
- 1 small Carrot, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Supporting Ingredients
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- 2 Tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tsp Tamari
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- Kosher salt to taste
- 2-3 Tbsp Water (to adjust consistency)
Directions
Prepare the Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, combine panko and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, add venison, mayonnaise, grated onion, grated carrot, garlic, thyme, mustard, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- Form into a loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, tamari, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and water.
- Adjust the consistency with additional water if needed.
Bake the Meatloaf
- Spoon half the glaze over the meatloaf. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Brush the remaining glaze over the top and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
To Plate
- Slice the meatloaf into thick, even portions.
- Spoon a generous amount of remaining glaze over each slice.
- Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes, spiced carrots, and a side of steamed greens.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of flaky salt for added texture and flavor.
Supporting Recipe
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