Easy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This easy bacon wrapped meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Wrapped in a crispy bacon weave and topped with a tangy glaze, it’s sure to impress family and guests alike. Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels special without the fuss.

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 teaspoons mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside.
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 ground black pepper. Mix well with your hands until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Shape the beef mixture into a loaf shape and set it aside.
5. Step 5: Prepare the bacon weave by laying half of the bacon strips vertically across the prepared baking sheet, side by side.
6. Step 6: Lift and fold back the ends of every other vertical bacon strip on one side. Place a horizontal bacon strip perpendicular to the vertical strips on top of those not folded back. Straighten the folded strips to cover the horizontal piece.
7. Step 7: Repeat the folding and placing process, alternating vertical and horizontal strips, until the bacon weave covers the sheet.
8. Step 8: Ensure the meatloaf matches the length of the bacon weave. Reshape if needed.
9. Step 9: Position the meatloaf 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, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard to make the glaze. Mix until smooth.
11. Step 11: Place the wrapped meatloaf on the baking sheet. Bake for 70 to 90 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatloaf’s internal temperature reaches 160°F. Halfway through baking, brush the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
12. Step 12: Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.
• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a juicier meatloaf.
• Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper instead of foil for easier cleanup.
• If you prefer less crispy bacon, tent the meatloaf with foil halfway through baking instead of brushing glaze immediately.

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 retain moisture. You can also freeze sliced portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but cooking time may be slightly shorter and the meatloaf might be less juicy. Adding finely chopped vegetables or a bit of olive oil can help maintain moisture.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F (71°C) to ensure the meat is safely cooked and juicy.

Easy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 101 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This easy bacon wrapped meatloaf combines juicy ground beef with a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a crispy bacon weave. The meatloaf is glazed with a delicious sweet and tangy sauce, then baked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe yields 8 hearty servings with a satisfying balance of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Glaze

• 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°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the meatloaf.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch drippings and facilitate easy cleanup, then set it aside.
3. 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 thoroughly using your hands for even distribution of all ingredients.
4. Add Cheese: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, mixing well to evenly distribute the cheesy flavor throughout the loaf.
5. Shape Meatloaf: Form the beef mixture into a loaf shape with your hands. Set it aside while you prepare the bacon weave.
6. Create Bacon Weave: Lay half of the bacon strips vertically, side by side, across the prepared baking sheet. Fold back the ends of every other strip on one side to start weaving.
7. Weave Bacon: Place a bacon strip horizontally across the vertical strips where you folded them back. Then, straighten the vertical strips over it. Repeat this folding and placing process alternating vertical and horizontal strips until you complete a weave that matches the length of your meatloaf.
8. Wrap Meatloaf in Bacon: Place the shaped meatloaf in the center of the bacon weave and carefully wrap the bacon around the loaf. Flip it over so the bacon ends are tucked underneath the meatloaf to secure it.
9. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard until smooth. Set aside for glazing during baking.
10. Bake Meatloaf: Transfer the bacon-wrapped meatloaf to the preheated oven. Bake for 70 to 90 minutes, or until the bacon turns crispy and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). Halfway through baking, brush the glaze evenly over the surface of the meatloaf to create a flavorful crust.
11. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Ensure bacon is at room temperature before weaving to make it more pliable and easier to work with.
• Using bread crumbs helps bind the meatloaf and keep it moist.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe doneness at 160°F.
• Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain its juices and improves texture.
• The glaze can be adjusted to taste by increasing the amount of brown sugar for extra sweetness or mustard for tanginess.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: bacon wrapped meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, baked meatloaf, bacon weave meatloaf, comforting dinner