This bacon-wrapped meatloaf is a hearty delight! The juicy beef is wrapped snugly in crispy bacon, adding tons of flavor to every bite. Who wouldn’t want to try that?
I love serving it with mashed potatoes or some bright veggies on the side. It makes a cozy meal that feels both special and homey. Plus, the aroma is just heavenly! 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef, which provides a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you want a healthier version, leaner beef can work too, but it may be less juicy.
Ground Pork: This ingredient is optional but brings extra flavor and moisture. You can simply increase the beef amount if you prefer to use just beef. Ground turkey or chicken are also great alternatives if you want to cut down on fat.
Bacon: Using thick-cut bacon creates a delicious crispiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon can be a substitute, though it might not be as rich in flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf. For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats, which can also add a nice texture.
Vegetables: I love adding chopped onions and bell peppers for sweetness. You can customize with other veggies like carrots or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients!
How Do I Make Sure My Meatloaf Holds Together?
Ensuring your meatloaf holds together can be tricky, but a few simple techniques will help. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Soaking breadcrumbs in milk really helps bind the ingredients together—don’t skip this step!
- Be gentle when mixing everything. Overworking the meat makes it tough; just mix until combined.
- Shaping the meat mixture into a loaf is key. Make sure it’s compact and even for even cooking.
- Using bacon as a wrap not only adds amazing flavor but also helps keep everything moist!
Following these tips will ensure a meatloaf that slices beautifully and tastes fantastic!
Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 pound ground pork (optional, for extra flavor and moisture)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup, plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley
For the Bacon Wrap:
- 10-12 slices bacon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bacon-wrapped meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake. So you’ll spend a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes getting this meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm for the meatloaf!
2. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for about 5 minutes until they get soft. This step is key for a moist meatloaf!
3. Combine the Meat and Veggies
Add the ground beef, ground pork (if you’re using it), chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
4. Prepare the Bacon Wrap
On a clean surface or baking sheet, lay out the bacon strips slightly overlapping each other to form a bacon mat. This will create a delicious and crispy outer layer for your meatloaf!
5. Shape and Roll the Meatloaf
Shape your meat mixture into a loaf form, then carefully place it on one edge of the bacon mat. Gently roll the bacon around the meatloaf, tucking in the ends underneath to secure everything in place. This is where the magic happens!
6. Move to the Baking Dish
Transfer your bacon-wrapped meatloaf to a lightly greased baking dish or lined with parchment paper, making sure the seam is on the bottom.
7. Add the Ketchup Glaze
Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for a delicious glaze. This gives it a nice sweet finish as it bakes!
8. Bake It
Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the meatloaf bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and crispy bacon to make your taste buds dance!
9. Rest and Serve
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps all the delicious juices settle.
10. Garnish and Enjoy!
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy your amazing bacon-wrapped meatloaf!
This meal is not just a treat for the taste buds with crisp, smoky bacon on the outside, and juicy, flavorful meat inside – it will also bring the whole family together!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can absolutely use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative! Just keep in mind that they might be a bit drier, so adding a little extra moisture, like an extra egg or some additional veggies, can help keep it juicy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf and wrap it in bacon, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, it’s all set to go when you’re ready to cook!
What Sides Pair Best with Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf?
Bacon-wrapped meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. The creamy potatoes and crunchy greens balance out the richness of the meatloaf perfectly!
