Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe

Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe

This isn’t your grandmother’s meatloaf – it’s a juicy, flavorful masterpiece wrapped in crispy bacon that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Key Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Medium
• Dietary: Contains meat, eggs, gluten

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Meat thermometer
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups/spoons

Pro Tip: No loaf pan? Shape your meatloaf on a lined baking sheet instead.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 8-10 bacon slices

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup (120ml) ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
   Stop mixing when just combined – overmixing makes tough meatloaf.



3. Shape mixture into a loaf on baking sheet or in loaf pan.
4. Wrap bacon slices around meatloaf, tucking ends underneath.



5. Make glaze: Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.
6. Brush half the glaze over bacon-wrapped meatloaf.



7. Bake for 45 minutes.
8. Apply remaining glaze.
9. Continue baking 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
10. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Crucial Tips

• Let meat come to room temperature before mixing.
• Space bacon strips evenly.
• Always use a meat thermometer.
• Don’t skip the resting period.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat covered at 350°F until hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using lean ground beef (needs some fat for moisture).
• Overmixing the meat mixture.
• Skipping the glaze (adds crucial flavor).
• Cutting immediately after baking.

Variations

• Substitute ground turkey for beef.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Add shredded cheese to the mixture.
• Experiment with different glazes (BBQ, honey mustard).

Remember: The key to perfect meatloaf is gentle handling and proper temperature monitoring. Happy cooking!