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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the meatloaf.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch drippings and facilitate easy cleanup, then set it aside.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, mixing well to evenly distribute the cheesy flavor throughout the loaf.
- Shape Meatloaf: Form the beef mixture into a loaf shape with your hands. Set it aside while you prepare the bacon weave.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard until smooth. Set aside for glazing during baking.
- 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.
- 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
