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Savory BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe with Perfect Sweet Glaze

bbq bacon wrapped meatloaf - featured image

A comforting and flavorful meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1012 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (100 grams)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup milk (60 ml), whole or dairy-free alternative
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (120 ml), sweet and smoky variety
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  3. Shape the mixture into an 8-inch long by 4-inch wide loaf on the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan.
  4. Lay the bacon strips over the meatloaf, slightly overlapping to cover the top and sides. Tuck ends underneath if needed.
  5. In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce with brown sugar to make the sweet glaze.
  6. Brush the glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, brushing on another layer of glaze halfway through baking (around 25-30 minutes). The bacon should be crispy and the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. Slice thickly and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

If bacon crisps too fast, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. Apply glaze twice for a sticky, caramelized finish. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep juices in. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, bacon-wrapped, BBQ glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, savory, sweet glaze