Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

The bacon-wrapped meatloaf is the ultimate in comfort food, blending traditional homestyle cooking with rich, smoky flair. Each bite delivers the satisfying flavor of juicy beef and pork, paired with the crispiness of perfectly baked bacon. It’s finished off with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a nostalgic dinner, this hearty dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, stores well for leftovers, and is as impressive on the table as it is delicious on the fork. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete and comforting meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 2 large eggs

• ¾ cup milk

• ⅔ cup plain breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1½ pounds ground beef

• ½ pound ground pork

• 8 slices bacon

• ½ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

4. Add ground beef, ground pork, and sautéed onion mixture. Mix until just combined.

5. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Lay bacon slices over the top, tucking ends underneath the loaf.

7. In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze.

8. Brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf.

9. Bake for 50 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

10. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: A Hearty Classic Reinvented with Smoky, Crispy Perfection

When it comes to comfort food that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your soul with warmth, few dishes can compete with the enduring appeal of meatloaf. And when you elevate that meatloaf by wrapping it in crispy, smoky bacon and finishing it with a tangy-sweet glaze, you create a showstopping centerpiece that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is more than a dish; it’s a love letter to classic home cooking with a delicious twist that makes it unforgettable.

Whether served at a casual weeknight dinner or presented at a family gathering, this recipe has a nostalgic familiarity and modern flavor profile that bridges generations. The crispy bacon not only adds flavor and crunch but also locks in moisture, ensuring the meatloaf is tender and juicy throughout. This recipe delivers a dynamic contrast between the savory richness of the meat, the slight spice of the mustard and Worcestershire, and the sweetness of the glaze.

The Story Behind the Dish

Meatloaf has humble beginnings, dating back centuries to European and American kitchens where families combined affordable ingredients to stretch proteins into hearty meals. Originally a thrifty recipe made to utilize leftover meat scraps and stale bread, meatloaf evolved over time into a beloved staple in American households, especially after World War II. What makes this version stand out is the layer of bacon, which adds a smoky and savory note that transforms the meatloaf from an everyday meal into something truly indulgent.

This bacon-wrapped version was popularized through cookbooks, televised cooking shows, and recipe-sharing platforms where home cooks put their own spin on traditional recipes. It’s become a go-to for holidays, potlucks, and even casual entertaining thanks to its reliable flavor and satisfying texture.

Why This Recipe Works

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is a balanced fusion of texture, flavor, and presentation. The meat mixture itself includes a blend of ground beef and ground pork, which ensures a tender yet structured result. Pork brings a natural sweetness and additional fat that balances out the leanness of the beef.

The breadcrumb and milk mixture acts as a binding agent while also keeping the meat moist. Meanwhile, aromatics like garlic and onions are lightly sautéed before adding them to the mix to mellow their sharpness and enhance their sweetness.

The use of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce introduces umami and a gentle zing that elevates the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish. Finally, the glaze, ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, adds a glossy finish with just the right balance of tang and sweetness.

And of course, the bacon. The strips are laid across the top and sides of the loaf, crisping up in the oven to add a rich outer layer that not only looks impressive but seals in flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

• Choose your bacon wisely: Use thin-cut bacon for the best wrapping and crisping results. Thicker slices may take too long to render properly in the oven and can result in uneven texture.

• Don’t overmix the meat: Overworking the meat mixture can lead to a dense, tough texture. Mix until just combined for a tender loaf.

• Use a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan: Baking the meatloaf on a sheet allows the fat to drain away and the bacon to crisp all around, rather than steaming inside a loaf pan.

• Rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf sit for at least 10 minutes after baking. This step helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier.

• Add extras if desired: You can include grated cheese, chopped herbs, or even finely diced bell peppers to add complexity and personal flair to your loaf.

Serving Suggestions

This meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic side dishes like:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A rich and buttery side that complements the savory meat perfectly.

• Garlic Roasted Green Beans or Asparagus: For a fresh, slightly crisp veggie component.

• Buttered Corn or Cornbread: A Southern-style favorite that plays well with the sweetness of the glaze.

• Macaroni and Cheese: The ultimate comfort pairing with the bold flavors of the bacon and glaze.

If you’re feeling adventurous, serve the meatloaf sliced on crusty bread with pickles and a smear of leftover glaze as a sandwich—delicious the next day!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is a great make-ahead dish:

• Make it ahead: Assemble the meatloaf the day before and refrigerate it wrapped in plastic wrap. Bake it the next day.

• Freeze before or after baking: You can freeze the uncooked loaf (wrapped tightly in plastic and foil) or cooked slices for future meals.

• Store leftovers: Keep cooked meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

Healthier Tweaks and Variations

Want to lighten up the recipe or make it suit dietary preferences? Here are a few ideas:

• Lean proteins: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a lower-fat version.

• Low-sugar glaze: Substitute ketchup and brown sugar with a tomato paste base and a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup.

• Add veggies: Mix in grated carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to suit celiac-friendly diets.

Why You’ll Love It

This Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf isn’t just dinner,it’s an experience. From the first slice, you get the aroma of smoky bacon, the soft and juicy texture of the meat, and the flavorful glaze that ties everything together. It’s hearty, filling, and full of homestyle comfort with a modern twist.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a main dish that wows guests on a special occasion, this meatloaf has you covered. With a little prep and some oven time, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that invites seconds, and maybe even thirds.

Conclusion

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is the kind of recipe that reminds us why we love comfort food. It’s rooted in tradition, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. The crispy bacon wrap adds that irresistible texture, while the tangy glaze brings the flavors full circle. Each bite is satisfying, flavorful, and comforting.

This is a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again, not just for the taste, but for the way it brings people together around the dinner table. Whether served on a casual Tuesday night or a celebratory Sunday dinner, this meatloaf proves that classic recipes never go out of style, they just get better with bacon.