This bacon-wrapped meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to the crispy bacon on the outside that keeps everything nice and moist.
I love how the bacon adds a smoky taste and a bit of crunch. Plus, who can resist a dish that looks this good? It’s perfect for impressing friends at dinner! 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can go for ground turkey. Just know it might result in a drier meatloaf, so be mindful of cooking times.
Ground Pork: This is optional but highly recommended! It adds moisture and flavor. If you want to skip it, you can use more beef or add extra breadcrumbs and milk to maintain moisture.
Bacon: This is what makes this dish special! For a healthier option, you can try turkey bacon or even crispy prosciutto. Both can give a different yet tasty flavor and texture.
Breadcrumbs: If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute. I prefer panko for its light and crisp texture.
Ketchup: For a bit more zing, you could use BBQ sauce or even a spicy ketchup. Personal favorite? Mixing a bit of sriracha into the ketchup for a kick!
How Do You Keep Meatloaf From Being Dry?
To keep your meatloaf moist and tender, focus on combining your ingredients without overmixing. Here are some tips:
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk. This adds moisture to the mixture.
- Don’t skip the eggs; they bind everything and add moisture.
- Include vegetables like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added moisture.
- Let your meatloaf rest after baking. This allows juices to settle, making each slice juicy!
Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, for extra flavor and moisture)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus additional for topping, if desired)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
For Wrapping:
- 6-8 slices of bacon (enough to wrap the meatloaf)
Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh rosemary
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bacon-wrapped meatloaf requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 1 hour of baking time. Plus, you’ll want to let it rest for 10 minutes after baking, bringing the total time to around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly.
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for about 5 minutes until they absorb the milk. This will help keep your meatloaf moist.
3. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork (if using), soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Gently mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the meatloaf tender!
4. Shape Your Meatloaf:
Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared sheet or in the pan.
5. Wrap with Bacon:
Carefully lay the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping them. If you can, wrap some bacon around the sides and tuck the ends underneath for a complete wrap.
6. Add a Ketchup Glaze (Optional):
If you like, spread a thin layer of ketchup over the bacon. This gives it a lovely glaze as it cooks.
7. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is crispy. If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, feel free to cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
8. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your meatloaf with fresh parsley and rosemary if desired, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious, bacon-wrapped creation!
This delightful meatloaf is packed with flavor and has that crispy, smoky bacon exterior that everyone loves. Happy cooking!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a combination of different meats for a unique flavor. Just be aware that leaner meats might result in a drier texture, so consider adding more moisture with extra milk or eggs.
How Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that any sauces you use, like ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, are also gluten-free.
Can I Prepare This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What Should I Do with Leftover Meatloaf?
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm them in the oven. You can also enjoy meatloaf cold in sandwiches for a tasty lunch option!