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Savory BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe with Smoky Glaze Perfect for Dinner

BBQ bacon wrapped meatloaf - featured image

A flavorful and juicy meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with a smoky, tangy BBQ glaze. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 0.5 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky brand recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1012 slices thick-cut bacon (center-cut preferred)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Add breadcrumbs and pour in milk. Crack in eggs, then add chopped onion and minced garlic.
  3. Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Transfer mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan, pressing evenly. Alternatively, shape into a loaf on a lined baking sheet (about 8×4 inches).
  5. Lay bacon slices overlapping across the top, tucking ends underneath the loaf.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Brush a generous layer over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
  7. Place loaf on baking sheet in oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Halfway through (around 30 minutes), brush a second layer of glaze.
  8. Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Notes

[‘Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.’, ‘Use room temperature eggs for better texture.’, ‘Let breadcrumbs soak in milk before mixing to lock in moisture.’, ‘Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).’, ‘Brush glaze twice for a sticky, caramelized finish.’, ‘Rest meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.’, ‘If bacon browns too fast, tent with foil.’, ‘For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs.’, ‘For dairy-free, use coconut or almond milk and dairy-free BBQ sauce.’, ‘Cold bacon is easier to wrap.’, ‘Overlap bacon slices tightly and tuck ends underneath to prevent curling.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, BBQ, bacon wrapped, smoky glaze, dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, family meal