Description
This Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring a juicy ground beef mixture wrapped in a crispy bacon weave and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe combines classic meatloaf ingredients with a cheesy twist and a beautiful bacon presentation that locks in moisture and adds smoky richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 lb sliced bacon (room temperature)
- 2 lbs ground beef (75/25 or 80/20)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
Meatloaf Glaze
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your meatloaf is assembled.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside for easy cleanup and to hold the bacon weave.
- Make Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, milk, beaten egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, dried parsley, ground thyme, ground paprika, Worcestershire sauce, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well using your hands to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add Cheese: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly into the meat mixture for added moisture and flavor.
- Shape Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Try to make it compact but not overly dense to promote even cooking.
- Create Bacon Weave: Lay half of the bacon strips vertically side by side across the prepared baking sheet. Fold back every other strip halfway, then lay a bacon strip horizontally across the exposed halves. Unfold the strips back over the horizontal strip. Repeat this weaving process alternately until a bacon mat long enough to wrap the meatloaf is formed.
- Wrap Meatloaf: Place the beef loaf in the middle of the bacon weave. Wrap the bacon around the meatloaf fully, then carefully flip it over so the bacon seam is underneath, tucking in the ends neatly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard until smooth. Set aside.
- Bake Meatloaf: Transfer the wrapped meatloaf (on the foil-lined sheet) into the preheated oven. Bake for 70 to 90 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). Halfway through baking, brush the meatloaf generously with the prepared glaze.
- Rest and Serve: Remove meatloaf from oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Room temperature bacon is easier to weave and less likely to tear.
- Use fresh ground beef with some fat (75/25 or 80/20) for juiciness.
- Make sure meatloaf internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps keep it moist and easier to slice.
- The glaze adds a nice balance of sweetness and tang, but can be adjusted to taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bacon wrapped meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, cheesy meatloaf, bacon weave meatloaf, comfort food, dinner recipe
