Description

This easy bacon wrapped meatloaf is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Ground beef combined with aromatic spices, garlic, onion, and cheddar cheese is shaped into a loaf, then wrapped in a crispy bacon weave and baked to perfection. A tangy-sweet glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard adds a delicious finishing touch. Serve it sliced with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

1 lb bacon (room temperature)
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 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

Glaze

1/3 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons mustard

Instructions

Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
Prep the baking sheet: Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Make the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, milk, beaten egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, dried parsley, ground thyme, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Add cheddar cheese: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture and mix well again so the cheese is evenly spread throughout.
Shape the meatloaf: Form the beef mixture into a loaf shape with your hands, making sure it is firm and even. Set it aside temporarily.
Prepare the bacon weave: Lay half of the bacon strips side by side vertically across the prepared baking sheet. Then, fold back the ends of every other bacon strip on one side, lay a horizontal bacon strip perpendicular to the vertical strips, and unfold the folded strips over it. Repeat this alternating folding and laying process until all bacon strips form a tight weave.
Wrap the meatloaf in bacon: Ensure the loaf’s length matches the bacon weave; reshape if necessary. Place the meatloaf in the center of the bacon weave and carefully wrap the woven bacon around it, tucking the ends underneath to secure.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard until smooth. Set the glaze aside.
Bake the meatloaf: Transfer the bacon-wrapped meatloaf on the foil-lined baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 70-90 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Halfway through baking, brush the glaze evenly over the meatloaf’s surface for added flavor and a glossy finish.
Rest and serve: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

Make sure the bacon is at room temperature before weaving to prevent tearing.
Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F without overcooking.
The bacon weave technique keeps the bacon crispy and evenly distributed around the meatloaf.
Resting the meatloaf before slicing keeps it moist and easier to cut.
You can substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for added flavor and juiciness.
Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: bacon wrapped meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, bacon weave, dinner, comfort food, ground beef meatloaf