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Candied Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Easy Sweet & Savory Dinner

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This candied bacon-wrapped meatloaf features a sweet and savory glaze, caramelized bacon crust, and juicy interior. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for entertaining or a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 12–16 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Press this mixture into both sides of each bacon slice. Set aside.
  3. Heat a small pan over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Let cool.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, 1/3 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cooled onion and garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix with your hands until just combined.
  5. Transfer meat mixture to a loaf pan (9×5 inch) and press evenly, removing air pockets. Alternatively, shape directly on the wire rack.
  6. Lay candied bacon slices across the meatloaf, slightly overlapping, tucking ends under. Cover top and sides completely.
  7. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  8. Brush about half the glaze over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Reserve the rest.
  9. Place loaf pan (or wire rack with meatloaf) on prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
  10. After 45 minutes, remove meatloaf from oven and brush with remaining glaze. Return to oven and bake for another 15-25 minutes.
  11. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) in the center. If bacon is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  12. Let meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Slice with a sharp knife and serve.

Notes

Let meatloaf rest before slicing to retain juices. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If bacon gets too dark, tent with foil. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check Worcestershire sauce. Leftovers keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: candied bacon meatloaf, sweet and savory meatloaf, bacon wrapped meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/candied-bacon-wrapped-meatloaf-easy-sweet-and-savory-dinner/