Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Smoky Glaze is the ultimate comfort food — tender, juicy ground beef seasoned to perfection, enveloped in crispy, smoky bacon, and brushed with a tangy, rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This dish takes the humble, classic meatloaf and turns it into something truly special and indulgent.
The bacon adds an irresistible smoky aroma and keeps the meat moist as it cooks, while the glaze—made from ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of smoky BBQ sauce—creates a sticky-sweet finish that’s absolutely mouthwatering. Whether you serve it as a hearty family dinner, for Sunday lunch, or even at a holiday gathering, this meatloaf will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf because it’s a true combination of comfort and flavor. The bacon not only looks stunning as it crisps up beautifully in the oven, but it also keeps the meatloaf juicy from the inside. Each slice is rich, tender, and layered with savory and smoky notes.
The glaze is another highlight — it balances the saltiness of the bacon with just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Plus, it’s easy to make with pantry staples!
This dish feels like home but also like something you’d order at a cozy, rustic restaurant — it’s nostalgic, satisfying, and simply delicious.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because:
- Bacon lovers’ dream – The bacon seals in flavor and adds irresistible crispiness.
- Moist and tender inside – The loaf stays juicy even after baking.
- Smoky-sweet glaze – A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
- Family favorite – Comfort food at its finest, great for gatherings.
- Easy to prepare – Simple ingredients, restaurant-quality results.
If you’re looking for a dish that impresses guests but still feels homey, this meatloaf is a showstopper.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings and Nutrition
- Servings: 6–8
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving (including bacon and glaze)
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Main Course / Dinner
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Bacon and Glaze:
- 10–12 slices thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (smoky or hickory-flavored)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp liquid smoke (optional but enhances smokiness)
Cooking Directions (Overview)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all meatloaf ingredients until combined.
- Shape into a loaf and place on a foil-lined baking tray or loaf pan.
- Wrap with bacon slices, slightly overlapping.
- Mix glaze ingredients and brush over the top.
- Bake until fully cooked and bacon is crisp.
- Let rest before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top (this helps the bacon crisp evenly).
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until just combined — don’t overmix, or the meatloaf will be dense.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
- Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking rack and shape it into a compact loaf (about 9×5 inches).
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
- Lay bacon slices over the loaf, slightly overlapping each one, tucking the ends underneath.
- Make sure the entire loaf is covered for even browning.
Step 5: Prepare the Smoky Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using).
- Brush half of the glaze evenly over the bacon-wrapped loaf.
Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf
- Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake another 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and bacon is golden and caramelized.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- This helps the juices redistribute and ensures neat, juicy slices.
How to Serve
Serve Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Smoky Glaze hot with:
- Mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables
- Green beans almondine or buttered corn
- Dinner rolls or garlic bread
- A drizzle of extra glaze or BBQ sauce for extra flavor
For a gourmet touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Use 80/20 ground beef: This ratio ensures the meat stays moist without being greasy.
- Don’t overmix: Lightly combine ingredients to prevent a dense loaf.
- Let it rest: Resting keeps the juices inside the meatloaf.
- Add glaze twice: Brushing at the beginning and mid-bake creates a glossy, flavorful crust.
- Bake on a rack: It prevents the loaf from sitting in grease and keeps bacon crisp.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf:
Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the center before shaping the loaf for a melty surprise. - BBQ Meatloaf:
Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of ketchup and add caramelized onions for smoky depth. - Turkey or Chicken Version:
Substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version (reduce cooking time slightly). - Spicy Kick:
Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra heat. - Maple Bacon Twist:
Brush bacon with a touch of maple syrup before baking for a sweet, smoky finish.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer (Cooked): Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Freezer (Uncooked): Assemble and wrap the raw loaf (without glaze), freeze up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet with wire rack
- Mixing bowls
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Foil or parchment paper
Conclusion
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Smoky Glaze is the ultimate comfort food upgrade — smoky, savory, tender, and beautifully caramelized. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes and turns an everyday dinner into something extraordinary.
The bacon adds irresistible flavor and texture, while the smoky glaze ties everything together in a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re making it for a family meal, a potluck, or a special occasion, this meatloaf is guaranteed to impress.
Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted veggies for a dinner that everyone will remember. One bite, and you’ll know — this is meatloaf done right.
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Smoky Glaze
Description
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Smoky Glaze is the ultimate comfort food — tender, juicy ground beef seasoned to perfection, enveloped in crispy, smoky bacon, and brushed with a tangy, rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
For the Bacon and Glaze:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top (this helps the bacon crisp evenly).
-
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture : In a large mixing bowl, combine: Ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until just combined — don’t overmix, or the meatloaf will be dense.
-
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf : Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking rack and shape it into a compact loaf (about 9x5 inches).
-
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon :Lay bacon slices over the loaf, slightly overlapping each one, tucking the ends underneath. Make sure the entire loaf is covered for even browning.
-
Step 5: Prepare the Smoky Glaze : In a small bowl, whisk together: Ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using). Brush half of the glaze evenly over the bacon-wrapped loaf.
-
Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf : Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake another 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and bacon is golden and caramelized.
-
Step 7: Rest and Slice : Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures neat, juicy slices.
