Imagine the aroma of savory bacon as it crisps over a juicy meatloaf, filling your kitchen with a comforting warmth.
This Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf isn’t only simple to whip up but offers a cozy slice of indulgence perfect for any night.
As the tender ground beef and pork meld with flavorful spices, each slice becomes a tribute to its comforting allure.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 whisk
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 10 slices bacon
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time for preparing and cooking Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, you can follow this timeline:
- Pre-Reading (5 minutes):
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Preparation (20 minutes):
- 0-5 minutes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all the ingredients and equipment.
- 5-10 minutes: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and milk.
- 10-15 minutes: Add the egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mixture and mix until well combined.
- 15-20 minutes: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf form, place it in the loaf pan, spread ketchup on top, and lay bacon slices over the loaf, tucking the ends under.
- Cooking (1 hour):
- 20-80 minutes: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven.
- During this time, you can clean up the preparation area and prepare any side dishes you may want to serve with the meatloaf.
- Resting (10 minutes):
- 80-90 minutes: Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and milk.
Add the egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mixture.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf form and place it in a loaf pan.
Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Lay bacon slices over the top, tucking the ends under the loaf.
Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drippings.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Once done, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the rich flavors of meatloaf.
- Steamed Vegetables: A healthy and colorful accompaniment, they add a fresh balance to the meal.
- Green Salad: A light and crunchy green salad provides a rejuvenating contrast to the savory meatloaf.
- Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy side dish adds a comforting and indulgent touch to the meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy and aromatic, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices from the meatloaf.
Storage
To store bacon wrapped meatloaf, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze bacon-wrapped meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Then store in an airtight container.
Label with the date and consume within three months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat bacon-wrapped meatloaf, slice it and use a microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a delightful and savory dish that brings a classic comfort food to a whole new level.
The combination of ground beef and pork guarantees a flavorful and juicy meatloaf, while the bacon adds a crispy, smoky finish.
To achieve the best results, it’s important not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
If you have a sweet tooth, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the ketchup for a sweeter glaze.
Choosing a thinner cut of bacon will make it easier to wrap around the meatloaf and help it crisp up nicely during baking.
After baking, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
This resting period helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful slice.
Serve this bacon wrapped meatloaf as a main course with your favorite sides for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Turkey for Beef and Pork in Meatloaf?
You can substitute turkey for beef and pork in meatloaf. Use ground turkey to create a lighter dish. Adjust seasoning to enhance flavor, as turkey can be milder. Make certain it’s cooked thoroughly to maintain juiciness.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf?
You can pair your dish with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. These sides balance the rich flavors and provide a satisfying contrast, making your meal both hearty and delicious. Enjoy your feast!
How Can I Make the Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or crushed rice crackers. Make certain Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Check labels on all other ingredients to confirm they’re suitable for a gluten-free diet. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
You can definitely swap turkey bacon for regular bacon. It’ll offer a lighter flavor and a bit less fat, but it’ll still wrap beautifully and crisp up nicely. Just guarantee it’s thin-sliced for the best results.
How Do I Prevent the Bacon From Becoming Soggy?
To prevent soggy bacon, place the meatloaf on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate and fat to drip away, crisping the bacon. You can also broil it briefly at the end.
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 10 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and milk.
- Add the egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mixture.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf form and place it in a loaf pan.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Lay bacon slices over the top, tucking the ends under the loaf.
- Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drippings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
