Nothing says comfort food quite like a classic meatloaf—but wrapping it in bacon takes it to a whole new level. This Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and finished with a glossy sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes in the oven. The bacon crisps around the outside while keeping the inside incredibly juicy, making every slice hearty, smoky, and downright irresistible.
If you’ve ever struggled with meatloaf that turns out dry or bland, this recipe is your fix. A simple mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce builds rich, savory flavor and the perfect texture without being dense. The key is mixing gently and letting the loaf rest after baking—two easy steps that make a huge difference in moisture and sliceability.
This oven-baked meatloaf is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinner, or meal prep because it’s easy to assemble and feeds a crowd. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a family-friendly meal that feels special without extra work. Plus, leftovers make incredible sandwiches the next day (especially with a little extra glaze).
Best of all, you can customize this bacon-wrapped meatloaf in tons of ways—add cheese in the center, swap in BBQ sauce for the glaze, or spice it up with jalapeños. Whether you’re making meatloaf for the first time or upgrading your go-to recipe, this bacon-wrapped version delivers the juicy, classic flavor you crave with a crispy, smoky finish you’ll want to make again and again.
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Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Juicy, classic meatloaf wrapped in smoky bacon and finished with a tangy-sweet glaze—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for an easy comfort-food dinner.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes rest)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Meatloaf
2 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
2 large eggs
1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, great with bacon)
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
Bacon Wrap
10-12 slices bacon (thin-cut wraps easiest)
Glaze
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven: 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top (best for crispier bacon).
Mix meatloaf: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Worcestershire, ketchup, salt, pepper, and seasonings. Add beef, breadcrumbs, onion, and garlic. Mix gently just until combined (don’t overmix).
Shape: Form into a loaf (about 9×5 inches) on the rack (or shape in a loaf pan and later drain fat if needed).
Wrap with bacon: Lay bacon slices slightly overlapping and place loaf in the center; wrap bacon up and over, tucking ends underneath.
Bake: 45 minutes.
Glaze: Stir glaze ingredients together. Brush over the top and sides, then bake 15 more minutes or until the center reaches 160°F.
Rest + slice: Rest 10 minutes (keeps it juicy), then slice and serve.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Crispier bacon: Use a wire rack and thin-cut bacon. If bacon isn’t crisp enough, broil 1–3 minutes at the end (watch closely).
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Juicier meatloaf: 80/20 beef works great; overmixing makes meatloaf dense.
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Clean slices: Let it rest 10 minutes, then slice with a sharp serrated knife.
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No rack? Bake on a foil-lined sheet and carefully drain any excess grease halfway through.
Variations
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Cheese-stuffed: Press a channel down the center, add 4–6 oz shredded cheddar/mozzarella, pinch closed, then wrap with bacon.
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BBQ glaze: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce (or do half ketchup/half BBQ).
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Spicy kick: Add 1–2 diced jalapeños or 1/2 tsp cayenne to the mix.
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Turkey option: Use ground turkey (93/7) and add 1–2 tbsp olive oil to the mix for moisture; cook to 165°F.
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Veggie boost: Mix in 1/2 cup finely grated zucchini (squeezed dry) or shredded carrots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 22g
