Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf Recipe

Introduction

Few dishes bring the wow factor to the dinner table quite like a Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf. The irresistible combination of juicy, seasoned ground meat wrapped with savory strips of bacon—and finished with a tangy, sweet glaze—delivers a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. Ideal for family gatherings or easy weeknight dinners, this meat loaf is a guaranteed crowd pleaser that’s as simple to prepare as it is to enjoy.

Why This Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf Stands Out

What makes this recipe memorable is its double-layer of flavor: the bacon keeps the meatloaf moist while adding a smoky crispness, and the glaze provides a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity to cut through the richness. Every slice showcases beautiful bacon-wrapped edges, making every serving both visually appealing and packed with flavor.

Building the Perfect Glaze

The secret to the ultimate meat loaf glaze is in its blend of ketchup (or barbecue sauce), brown sugar, and a touch of vinegar or mustard for brightness. This glossy finish not only caramelizes beautifully in the oven but also seeps into the bacon and meat, infusing every bite with sweet-savory delight. Brush on half the glaze before baking and the rest in the last 10 minutes for optimal flavor.

Assembling and Baking Your Meat Loaf

Start by mixing ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, and aromatics for moisture and depth. Form the loaf on a lined baking sheet, wrap with overlapping bacon slices, and secure the ends underneath. This ensures the bacon crisps up without unraveling. Baste generously with glaze, then bake until the bacon is deeply caramelized and the loaf cooked through. Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing locks in juices and creates picture-perfect slices.

Serving Suggestions for Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf

Serve this show-stopping meat loaf on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. Leftovers are especially tasty the next day, making for excellent sandwiches or protein-packed lunchboxes.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 hearty slices, ideal for a family meal with a side or two. Each serving (without additional toppings) typically contains between 350 and 400 calories, factoring in bacon and glaze. Enjoy as a memorable main course that strikes the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and easy meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, thyme or Italian seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing for a tender loaf.
3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf (about 9×5 inches) and set it on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Lay bacon strips over the meat loaf widthwise, overlapping slightly and tucking the ends underneath the loaf. Cover the entire surface for maximum flavor and moisture.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup or barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar or mustard, and smoked paprika. Brush half the glaze over the bacon-wrapped loaf.
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Brush with remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes of baking for a glossy finish.
7. Let the meat loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute juices and makes for tidy, tender servings.

Weekly Meal Planning

A Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf is a fantastic centerpiece for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to decide which night to enjoy it and let CookifyAI create a smart, consolidated shopping list for your week.

Planning Benefits:

• Combines overlapping ingredients across all your meal plans for efficient shopping
• Automatically sorts grocery lists by store aisle
• Helps you avoid duplicate purchases and ensures nothing gets forgotten
• Makes prep day smooth and stress-free

Pro tip: When adding this meatloaf to your weekly rotation, use CookifyAI’s scheduler to seamlessly plan side dishes or other recipes that use eggs, milk, or breadcrumbs, reducing waste and streamlining your prep.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes resting time)