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Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe

Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

This Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf recipe combines juicy ground beef mixed with aromatic herbs and spices, cheddar cheese, and a savory glaze. Wrapped in a crispy bacon weave, this meatloaf delivers smoky, rich flavors and a beautiful presentation. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 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
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Bacon Weave

  • 1 lb bacon (room temperature)

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) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by covering it with aluminum foil. Set aside.
  2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the 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 everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
  3. Add Cheese: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, stirring well to evenly distribute the cheese.
  4. Shape Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape that will fit the size of your baking sheet, and set it aside.
  5. Make Bacon Weave: Lay half of the bacon strips vertically, side by side, across the prepared baking sheet. Fold back the ends of every other bacon strip on one side. Place a bacon strip perpendicular to the vertical strips, then unfold the folded strips over it. Repeat this process alternating strips until a full bacon weave mat is created.
  6. Wrap Meatloaf in Bacon: Ensure the loaf is the same length as the bacon weave; reshape if necessary. Place the meatloaf in the center of the bacon weave, then carefully wrap the bacon around the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath to secure it.
  7. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard until smooth. Set aside.
  8. Bake Meatloaf: Transfer the bacon-wrapped meatloaf on the foil-lined baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 70-90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is crispy.
  9. Apply Glaze: About halfway through baking, brush the prepared glaze generously over the surface of the meatloaf to create a sweet and tangy coating.
  10. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Notes

  • Using room temperature bacon helps with easier weaving and wrapping.
  • Make sure to use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for the best texture in the meatloaf.
  • The internal temperature should reach 160°F to ensure the meat is fully cooked but remains juicy.
  • Resting the meatloaf after baking allows juices to redistribute and prevents dryness when slicing.
  • Feel free to customize the glaze by adding a little hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, bacon weave, comfort food, cheesy meatloaf, savory meatloaf, baked meatloaf

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/easy-bacon-wrapped-meatloaf-recipe/