Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Bacon-wrapped meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic meatloaf recipe. The addition of bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the meatloaf, while also keeping it moist during the cooking process. Here’s a basic recipe to make a bacon-wrapped meatloaf:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork (optional, you can use all beef if preferred)
1 egg
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup bread crumbs or panko
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for glazing)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8-12 slices of bacon

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, onion, bread crumbs, milk, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
Form the Meatloaf: On a clean surface, lay out the bacon slices side by side, slightly overlapping. Place the meatloaf mixture on top of the bacon slices and form it into a loaf shape. Carefully wrap the bacon slices around the meatloaf, ensuring the ends overlap or tuck underneath the meatloaf.
Bake: Place the bacon-wrapped meatloaf on a rack in a baking tray. This allows the fat from the bacon to drip away from the meatloaf as it cooks. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Glaze: In the last 15 minutes of baking, brush the meatloaf with additional BBQ sauce or ketchup for a flavorful glaze.
Rest: Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making it moist and flavorful.
Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.