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Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

By Lisa Martinez | May 06, 2026
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Prep20 min
Cook45 min
Total65 min
Serves6
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Savory Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

There's something special about a warm, comforting dish that brings everyone together, and for me, that dish is a classic Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf. Growing up, my family would often gather around the table on Sundays to enjoy a homemade meal, and this recipe was always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender meatloaf, crispy bacon, and a sweet and tangy glaze is a match made in heaven.

As a h​ome cook, I've experimented with various meatloaf recipes over the years, but this one remains my favorite. The key to a great meatloaf is using high-quality ingredients and not overmixing the meat. You want to be able to taste the individual flavors of the pork, bacon, and seasonings, rather than a uniform, processed taste.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's also a great make-ahead dish. Simply prepare the meatloaf and glaze, then refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to bake. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, the bacon wrapping adds a smoky, savory flavor to the meatloaf that's hard to resist. The glaze, made with a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar, adds a sweet and tangy element that balances out the richness of the pork. And let's not forget the meatloaf itself, made with ground pork, beef, and a blend of spices and seasonings that will make your taste buds dance.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to create a delicious Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf that's sure to impress your family and friends. From preparing the ingredients to baking the meatloaf to perfection, I'll share my tips and tricks for making this dish a success.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
  • The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
  • The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your own favorite ingredients and spices.
  • The meatloaf is moist and flavorful, with a crispy bacon exterior and a sweet and tangy glaze.
  • The recipe is make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prepare the meatloaf and glaze ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to bake.
  • The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a budget-friendly option, using affordable ingredients and minimal equipment.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great meatloaf is using the right combination of ingredients and cooking techniques. In this recipe, we're using a blend of ground pork and beef, which provides a rich and meaty flavor. The addition of bacon, onions, and garlic adds a depth of flavor that's hard to resist. And let's not forget the glaze, which adds a sweet and tangy element that balances out the richness of the pork.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By wrapping the meatloaf in bacon, we're able to add a smoky, savory flavor that's hard to achieve with other cooking methods. And by baking the meatloaf in the oven, we're able to cook it evenly and prevent it from drying out.

The glaze is also an important component of this recipe. Made with a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar, it adds a sweet and tangy element that balances out the richness of the pork. By brushing the glaze over the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of cooking, we're able to add a caramelized, sticky texture that's sure to impress.

Overall, this recipe works because it combines the right ingredients and cooking techniques to create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a delicious Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. In this recipe, we're using a blend of ground pork and beef, which provides a rich and meaty flavor. We're also adding some onions, garlic, and spices to give the meatloaf a depth of flavor that's hard to resist. And of course, no Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf would be complete without the bacon itself, which adds a smoky, savory flavor that's hard to achieve with other cooking methods.

In terms of shopping for ingredients, I recommend looking for high-quality ground pork and beef, as well as thick-cut bacon. You'll also want to make sure you have some basic spices and seasonings on hand, such as salt, pepper, and paprika. With these ingredients, you'll be well on your way to making a delicious Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf that's sure to impress your family and friends.

  • 1 lb (450g) ground porkLook for high-quality ground pork that is fresh and has a good fat content. You can also use ground beef or a combination of the two.
  • 1/2 lb (225g) ground beefGround beef adds a rich and meaty flavor to the meatloaf. You can use lean or regular ground beef, depending on your preference.
  • 6 slices of baconThick-cut bacon is best for this recipe, as it will hold its shape and add a smoky flavor to the meatloaf.
  • 1 large onion, finely choppedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the meatloaf. You can use yellow or white onions, depending on your preference.
  • 3 cloves of garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the meatloaf. You can use fresh or jarred garlic, depending on your preference.
  • 1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the meatloaf and helps to bring out the other ingredients. You can use kosher or table salt, depending on your preference.
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and savory flavor to the meatloaf. You can use freshly ground or pre-ground pepper, depending on your preference.
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) paprikaPaprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the meatloaf. You can use sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
  • 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a sweet and caramelized flavor to the glaze. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.
  • 1/4 cup (60g) ketchupKetchup adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the glaze. You can use regular or organic ketchup, depending on your preference.
  • 2 tbsp (30g) apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the glaze. You can use regular or organic vinegar, depending on your preference.
Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlMeat thermometerInstant-read thermometer9x5 inch loaf panBaking sheetOven

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

  1. 1
    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2
    In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
  3. 3
    Lay the bacon slices on a flat surface and weave them into a lattice pattern, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border around the edges.
  4. 4
    Place the meat mixture in the center of the bacon lattice and shape it into a loaf. Fold the bacon slices over the meatloaf, tucking the ends under the loaf as you go.
  5. 5
    Place the meatloaf in a 9x5 inch loaf pan and bake for 25 minutes.
  6. 6
    While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the brown sugar, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Brush the glaze over the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  7. 7
    Continue baking the meatloaf for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  8. 8
    Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
  9. 9
    To check for doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. The internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
  10. 10
    Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to retain its moisture.
  11. 11
    Slice the meatloaf into thick slices and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Expert Tips

  • Make sure to not overmix the meat mixture, as this can lead to a dense and tough meatloaf.
  • Use high-quality ingredients, such as thick-cut bacon and fresh spices, to ensure the best flavor.
  • Don't overcrowd the loaf pan, as this can cause the meatloaf to steam instead of bake.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to retain its moisture.
  • Experiment with different glaze ingredients, such as honey or Dijon mustard, to find your favorite flavor combination.
  • Consider making the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing it until you're ready to bake.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Let the meatloaf cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, as this will help prevent moisture from accumulating and making the meatloaf soggy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overmixing the meat mixture, leading to a dense and tough meatloaf.
  • Not using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a lackluster flavor.
  • Overcrowding the loaf pan, causing the meatloaf to steam instead of bake.
  • Not letting the meatloaf rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving, leading to a dry and crumbly texture.
  • Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Not letting the meatloaf cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, resulting in a soggy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
  • Use different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered bacon, for a unique flavor.
  • Experiment with different glaze ingredients, such as honey or Dijon mustard, to find your favorite flavor combination.
  • Add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, to the meat mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground pork and beef for a leaner meatloaf.
  • Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the meat mixture for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.

What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Some other ideas for serving the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf include:

Sliced and served on a bun, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a meatloaf sandwich.

Served with a side of ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping.

Paired with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.

Served with a side of mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesSimple green saladCrusty breadEgg noodlesKetchup or barbecue sauce for dipping

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, simply wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator.

To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer.

To reheat, simply thaw the meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator or thaw it quickly by submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, reheat the meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Some tips for storing and reheating the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf include:

Letting the meatloaf cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, as this will help prevent moisture from accumulating and making the meatloaf soggy.

Using airtight containers or freezer-safe bags to store the meatloaf, as this will help prevent freezer burn and keep the meatloaf fresh.

Labeling the containers or bags with the date and contents, as this will help you keep track of how long the meatloaf has been stored and ensure that you use the oldest items first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook a Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf?

The best way to cook a Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is to bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

How do I know when the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is done?

The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check the internal temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center of the meatloaf.

Can I make the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf ahead of time. Simply prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake.

How do I store the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf?

The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, simply wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I reheat the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf?

Yes, you can reheat the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf. Simply thaw the meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator or thaw it quickly by submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, reheat the meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

What are some variations of the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf recipe?

Some variations of the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf recipe include adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture, using different types of bacon, or experimenting with different glaze ingredients. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground pork and beef for a leaner meatloaf.

Can I serve the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with other dishes?

Yes, the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf can be served with a variety of dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.

How do I prevent the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf from drying out?

To prevent the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf from drying out, make sure to not overcook it and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. You can also wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to help retain moisture.

The Full Recipe
Recipe Card
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Learn how to make a delicious Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with this easy recipe, featuring smoky pork and bacon comfort cooking from scratch in a real home kitchen.

Prep20 min
Cook45 min
Total65 min
Serves6
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ground pork
  • 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef
  • 6 slices of bacon
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) paprika
  • 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60g) ketchup
  • 2 tbsp (30g) apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
  3. Lay the bacon slices on a flat surface and weave them into a lattice pattern, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border around the edges.
  4. Place the meat mixture in the center of the bacon lattice and shape it into a loaf. Fold the bacon slices over the meatloaf, tucking the ends under the loaf as you go.
  5. Place the meatloaf in a 9x5 inch loaf pan and bake for 25 minutes.
  6. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the brown sugar, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Brush the glaze over the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  7. Continue baking the meatloaf for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  8. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
  9. To check for doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. The internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to retain its moisture.
  11. Slice the meatloaf into thick slices and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

450Calories
35gProtein
20gCarbs
25gFat