This Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is a tasty twist on the classic! Imagine a juicy meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon—talk about mouthwatering! Each slice is packed with flavor.
Let’s be real, bacon makes everything better! I love serving this hearty dish with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Plus, leftovers make great sandwiches! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean beef for a juicy meatloaf. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, though they may need added fat for flavor.
Bacon: Bacon not only adds flavor but crispness too. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon works well, though it won’t be as crispy.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional white breadcrumbs give a nice texture. You can use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option or crushed crackers if breadcrumbs aren’t available.
Ketchup: This is used for flavor and moisture. You can swap it with BBQ sauce or even tomato sauce, depending on your preference.
How Do I Make Sure the Bacon is Extra Crispy?
For that perfect crispy bacon on top of your meatloaf, position the bacon slices correctly and use the right cooking method. Follow these easy tips:
- Wrap the bacon tightly around the meatloaf, ensuring it’s secure. Overlap slices slightly for full coverage.
- Bake it uncovered for part of the time. This allows the fat to render and helps the bacon get crispy.
- In the last 15-20 minutes of baking, apply a light layer of ketchup or BBQ sauce on top for added flavor and moisture, but avoid drowning it.
Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps the juices redistribute and enhances the texture, making every slice delicious!
Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping, optional)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 12-15 slices of bacon (enough to wrap over the loaf)
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: ketchup or barbecue sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 1 hour of cooking time. Let’s break it down: about 45 minutes for the initial cook and 15-20 more to get that bacon perfectly crispy. Plus, don’t forget about the resting time—about 10 minutes before slicing. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for cooking your meatloaf evenly. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your meatloaf tender!
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture onto a clean surface and shape it into a loaf form. Place the shaped meatloaf into your greased baking dish, ensuring it’s nice and compact.
4. Wrap It with Bacon:
Now comes the fun part! Take the bacon slices and arrange them over the meatloaf. Slightly overlap the bacon slices, tucking the ends underneath the loaf to hold them in place. This will help the bacon cook evenly and keep everything together.
5. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place your meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. We want that bacon to cook through and get nice and crispy!
6. Add a Glaze:
After the first 45 minutes, you can optionally spread a thin layer of ketchup or barbecue sauce on top of the bacon for added flavor. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps all the juices stay in the meat when you slice it!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the meatloaf with fresh parsley for presentation. Slice and serve alongside your favorite side dish, like creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in this bacon-wrapped meatloaf!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef in this recipe! Just be aware that turkey tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil or breadcrumbs for added moisture and flavor.
How Can I Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze sliced meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the meatloaf ingredients and shape it into a loaf the night before, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven and bake as directed. Just add a few extra minutes if it was stored in the fridge.
What Should I Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a side of barbecue sauce or ketchup for extra flavor!
