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Meatloaf is a timeless classic that’s been a staple in home kitchens for generations. But when you wrap it in smoky, crispy bacon and glaze it with tangy BBQ sauce, it transforms into something truly spectacular. This bacon-wrapped meatloaf is a dish that combines the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf with a modern, flavorful twist. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The savory meat mixture combined with smoky bacon and the sweetness of BBQ sauce is a flavor explosion.
- Beautiful Presentation: The golden-brown bacon wrap makes this dish as stunning as it is delicious.
- Customizable: You can tweak the spices and add-ins to suit your taste or try different glazes for variety.
- Simple to Make: While it looks fancy, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare with straightforward steps.
Why Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is a Showstopper
This recipe elevates the humble meatloaf into a gourmet dish. The smoky, savory bacon not only adds incredible flavor but also keeps the meatloaf moist during cooking. The BBQ glaze caramelizes as it bakes, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the crispy bacon. Together, they form a harmonious combination that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredient Notes
- Minced Meat: Use ground beef, pork, or a mix for a well-rounded flavor and juicy texture.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and keeping the meatloaf cohesive.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor; finely chop for even distribution.
- Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic kick that complements the meat.
- Breadcrumbs: Creates a light and tender texture; day-old bread works best, but panko can be used as an alternative.
- Milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs and enriches the overall texture of the meatloaf.
- Mustard: Adds a tangy depth and balances the richness of the meat.
- Bacon Cubes: Adds a touch of smoky saltiness to the meat mixture.
- Parsley: Brings a hint of freshness and color to the dish.
- Nutmeg: A subtle addition that enhances the savory flavors.
- Pepper: For a hint of spice and complexity.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and a touch of smoky sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Bacon: Wraps the meatloaf in smoky goodness while keeping it moist.
- BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
How To Make Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
1. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and soften. This step ensures a moist and tender meatloaf.
2. Mix the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, and the soaked breadcrumbs. Add the mustard, bacon cubes, parsley, nutmeg, pepper, paprika, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Prepare the Bacon Wrap
On a flat surface, lay out two rows of bacon slices (approximately 9 slices per row) with the edges slightly overlapping to form a continuous sheet. This will serve as the wrap for your meatloaf.
4. Assemble the Meatloaf
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of the bacon sheet. Gently fold the bacon slices over the meatloaf, ensuring it is fully wrapped. Once wrapped, brush the top with BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the bacon-wrapped meatloaf seam-side down in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
6. Finish Baking
Remove the aluminum foil and return the meatloaf to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes at the same temperature, allowing the bacon to crisp up beautifully.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Variations
- Cheesy Meatloaf: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the meat mixture for a gooey, cheesy center.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier version.
- Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning and replace the BBQ sauce with marinara for a Mediterranean twist.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in finely chopped carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition.
What to Serve With Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Some classic options include:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery potatoes are a perfect match for the savory meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans bring balance and freshness.
- Salads: A light green salad or coleslaw complements the richness of the meatloaf.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for mopping up the juices and sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork works well in this recipe.
2. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? Crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour are excellent substitutes for breadcrumbs.
3. How can I tell if my meatloaf is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
4. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time? Yes, assemble the meatloaf and wrap it in bacon, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Bacon-wrapped meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Try it for yourself, and watch as everyone asks for seconds—and the recipe!
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Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 700g minced meat
- 2 eggs
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 80g breadcrumbs (from old bread)
- 120g milk
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 125g bacon cubes
- 200g bacon slices
- 5 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
For spreading:
- 3 tbsp BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and soften.
- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, eggs, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Add the soaked breadcrumbs and milk mixture to the meat.
- Stir in the mustard, bacon cubes, parsley, nutmeg, pepper, paprika, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- On a flat surface, lay out two rows of bacon slices (approximately 9 slices per row) with the edges slightly overlapping to form a continuous sheet.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of the bacon sheet.
- Gently fold the bacon slices over the meatloaf, ensuring it is fully wrapped.
- Brush the top of the bacon-wrapped meatloaf with BBQ sauce to coat it evenly.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Place the bacon-wrapped meatloaf in a baking dish, seam-side down.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
- Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking the meatloaf uncovered for an additional 20 minutes at 200°C (390°F), or until the bacon is crispy and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides. i need a nice intro about this recipe
