Gather your taste buds and get ready for a flavor explosion! This Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for cozy nights in or epic backyard gatherings. Packed with juicy, melty goodness and a tantalizing smoky-sweet glaze, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
This Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food with a modern twist. The combination of tender, flavorful meatloaf wrapped in crispy, salty bacon and slathered in a zesty, smoky BBQ glaze creates a truly craveable and indulgent dish. The bacon wrapping not only adds a delicious crunch but also helps keep the meatloaf moist and juicy. Plus, the hands-off baking method means you can enjoy the cozy, warm aroma of this dish while it effortlessly comes together in the oven. Whether you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal or a show-stopping dish to impress your guests, this Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is sure to exceed your expectations.
Ingredients
This Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is made with a simple yet flavorful blend of ingredients. The meatloaf itself is made with a combination of ground beef and ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a variety of aromatic seasonings. The bacon wrapping not only adds a crispy, salty element but also helps to keep the meatloaf moist and juicy. The star of the show is the tantalizing smoky-sweet BBQ glaze, which is made with a blend of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of liquid smoke for that irresistible, authentic BBQ flavor.
- 2 pounds – Ground beef and ground pork blend
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs
- 1 medium – Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons – Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon – Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon – Black pepper
- 12 slices – Bacon
- 1 cup – Ketchup
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons – Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon – Liquid smoke
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein Blend: Use all ground beef or a combination of ground turkey and ground pork (for a leaner option)
- Breadcrumbs: Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative
How to Make Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients together until well-incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
Step 1: Prep Work
Lightly grease a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Gently shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Wrap the entire meatloaf with the bacon slices, overlapping them slightly to create a complete bacon wrap.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke to create the smoky BBQ glaze. Generously brush the glaze over the top and sides of the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Halfway through the baking time, brush the meatloaf with the remaining glaze to ensure a sticky, caramelized finish.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Bacon Wrap: For an extra-crispy bacon wrap, you can partially cook the bacon slices before wrapping the meatloaf. This will help the bacon get nice and golden brown.
- Alternative Glaze Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors, such as a honey-mustard or spicy chipotle glaze.
- Grilled Meatloaf: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can also grill the bacon-wrapped meatloaf for a smoky, charred finish. Just be sure to use a grill basket or secure the meatloaf with toothpicks to prevent it from falling apart.
- Variation: Smoked Meatloaf: For an even more pronounced smoky flavor, you can smoke the bacon-wrapped meatloaf instead of baking it. Set your smoker to 225°F (110°C) and smoke the meatloaf for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serving & Storage
Serve with: creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh, crisp salad.
Storage: Any leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat slices in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture, shape it into a loaf, and wrap it in the bacon up to 1 day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate the prepared meatloaf until you’re ready to bake it. When ready to cook, allow the meatloaf to come to room temperature before brushing with the glaze and baking as directed.
Nutrition Information
This Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is a hearty and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving (approximately 1/6 of the meatloaf) contains around 400 calories, 25 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 grams of fat. It’s a comforting and indulgent meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the meatloaf
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to prevent the meatloaf from falling apart?
The key to preventing your meatloaf from falling apart is to not overmix the ingredients. Gently incorporate the ingredients until they are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. The addition of the bacon wrap also helps to hold the meatloaf together.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture, shape it into a loaf, and wrap it in the bacon up to 1 day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate the prepared meatloaf until you’re ready to bake it. When ready to cook, allow the meatloaf to come to room temperature before brushing with the glaze and baking as directed.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The meatloaf is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer. Be sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf to get an accurate reading.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with different protein combinations. A blend of ground beef and ground pork works best, but you can also use all ground beef or a mixture of ground turkey and ground pork.
How do I make the bacon extra crispy?
For an extra-crispy bacon wrap, you can partially cook the bacon slices before wrapping the meatloaf. Simply cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned. This will help the bacon get nice and golden brown in the oven.
Try These Next
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
- Smoky Maple Bacon Bbq Chicken Sandwich
- Gooey Cheddar Stuffed Bbq Bacon Burgers
Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic dish. The smoky flavor paired with crispy bacon makes this meatloaf a family favorite!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for topping
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 8 slices of bacon
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, BBQ sauce, eggs, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well combined.
4. Lay out the bacon slices on a baking sheet in a criss-cross pattern.
5. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it over the bacon.
6. Wrap the bacon around the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath.
7. Brush the top with additional BBQ sauce.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
9. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
10.
Notes
For an extra smoky flavor, add some smoked wood chips to your grill if cooking outdoors.
This meatloaf pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: meatloaf, BBQ, bacon, smoked, comfort food