Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a comforting classic with a flavorful twist. Wrapped in crispy bacon and filled with savory spices and cheese, it’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoon mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set it aside for later.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, milk, beaten egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, dried parsley, thyme, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands.
3. Step 3: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture and mix well until evenly incorporated.
4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into a loaf and set it aside.
5. Step 5: Lay half of the bacon strips vertically next to each other across the prepared baking sheet to start the bacon weave.
6. Step 6: Fold back the ends of every other vertical bacon strip on one side. Place a horizontal bacon strip perpendicular over the strips that weren’t folded. Unfold the folded strips to cover the horizontal strip.
7. Step 7: Repeat this process by folding back the ends of the horizontal strips under the new vertical strip. Continue alternating vertical and horizontal strips until the weave is complete.
8. Step 8: Check that the length of the bacon weave matches the meatloaf. Reshape the meatloaf if needed.
9. Step 9: Place the loaf in the center of the bacon weave. Wrap the bacon around the meatloaf and flip it over so the ends tuck underneath.
10. Step 10: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard until smooth to create the glaze.
11. Step 11: Transfer the wrapped meatloaf to the oven and bake for 70 to 90 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. About halfway through, brush the glaze evenly over the meatloaf surface.
12. Step 12: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your preferred side dishes.

Tips & Variations

• Use slightly fatty ground beef (75/25 or 80/20) for a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.
• Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
• Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
• For a spicier glaze, mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to maintain bacon crispiness. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but they tend to be leaner. Consider adding a little extra fat or moisture to keep the meatloaf tender.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F for ground beef-based meatloaf to ensure safety and juiciness.

Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 75 reviews

This Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf recipe combines juicy ground beef with flavorful herbs, cheddar cheese, and a sweet-savory glaze, all wrapped in a crispy bacon weave. Perfectly baked to a delicious golden finish, this hearty dish is ideal for family dinners and meal prep alike.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Ingredients

• 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

Glaze Ingredients

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the meatloaf.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside, this will help with easy cleanup and keep the baking surface clean.
3. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: 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 ground black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands for even distribution of flavors.
4. Add Cheese: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture and mix again until the cheese is evenly distributed.
5. Shape Meatloaf: Form the beef mixture into a loaf shape, making sure it’s compact and even.
6. Create Bacon Weave: Lay half of the bacon strips vertically across the aluminum foil-covered baking sheet. Then, fold back every other bacon strip end on one side of the sheet. Place a bacon slice horizontally across the vertical strips, cover by unfolding the folded bacon strips. Repeat this weaving pattern until you’ve completed the bacon weave across the sheet.
7. Wrap Meatloaf in Bacon: Ensure the meatloaf shape matches the length of the bacon weave; reshape as needed. Place the loaf in the center of the bacon weave. Wrap the bacon around the loaf and tuck the ends underneath the meat, flipping over carefully to secure the bacon.
8. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard until smooth. Set aside for glazing.
9. Bake Meatloaf: Transfer the bacon-wrapped meatloaf on the foil to the oven. Bake for 70 to 90 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F. Halfway through baking, brush the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add a sweet and tangy finish.
10. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist texture. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Using room temperature bacon helps it to be more pliable for the weave.
• Make sure not to overmix the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F for safety.
• The glaze adds a flavorful crust but can be omitted for a lower sugar option.
• Resting the meatloaf before slicing prevents juices from spilling out, keeping slices moist.
• Variations: Add chopped bell peppers or substitute cheddar with mozzarella for different flavors.

Keywords: bacon wrapped meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, baked meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, bacon weave, comfort food, dinner recipe