Description
This Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a savory and hearty dish perfect for a comforting meal. Ground beef is combined with finely chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices, then shaped into a loaf and wrapped with flavorful bacon. A homemade meatloaf sauce made from tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and apricot preserves is spread over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf before baking to add a delicious glaze and moisture. The result is a juicy, tender meatloaf with a crispy bacon exterior and a rich, slightly sweet sauce that enhances the overall flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk Celery, finely chopped
- 1 medium Carrot, finely chopped
- 1/2 small Green Pepper, finely chopped
- 1 large Egg
- 4 tablespoons Breadcrumbs
- 1 handful Fresh Parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon Prepared Mustard
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Bacon
- Bacon slices, enough to cover the meatloaf (approximately 6-8 slices)
Meatloaf Sauce
- 1/2 cup Your Favorite Meatloaf Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 tablespoons Hot Water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Apricot Preserves or your favorite fruit preserves
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Make the meat mix: Place all ingredients for the meatloaf, including ground beef, chopped onion, celery, carrot, green pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, mustard, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt into a large bowl. Mix everything very well until fully combined.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the meatloaf.
- Shape the loaf: Lightly oil a sheet pan to prevent sticking. Dump the meat mixture onto the pan, then shape it firmly into a loaf shape.
- Add the topping: Arrange bacon slices on top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping them to cover the entire loaf.
- Spread the sauce: Take one-third of the prepared meatloaf sauce and spread it evenly all over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Continue baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread another one-third of the sauce over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is browned and cooked all the way through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).
- Finish with sauce: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and immediately spread the remaining sauce over the top to add extra moisture and flavor.
- Rest and serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir together tomato paste, hot water, Worcestershire sauce, apricot preserves, honey, and salt until smooth and use as directed in the recipe.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
- If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the amount of apricot preserves and honey accordingly.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to keep it moist and prevent crumbling.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
