Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering experience that will have your family begging for seconds? Our Bacon Topped Meat Loaf isn't just another recipe - it's a culinary masterpiece that combines juicy ground beef, savory ground pork, and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. Imagine cutting into a perfectly seasoned loaf where each slice is packed with flavor and topped with golden, sizzling bacon that promises to make every bite an unforgettable journey of taste and texture.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 6 slices bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the meatloaf cooks evenly throughout.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground pork. Use your hands or a spoon to mix them together until they are well combined.
- Add 1 cup of breadcrumbs to the meat mixture. This will help bind the meatloaf and give it a nice texture.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of milk and crack in 1 egg. The milk adds moisture, while the egg acts as a binder. Mix everything together until fully incorporated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning to enhance the flavor of the meatloaf.
- Next, add 1/2 cup of ketchup to the mixture. This will add sweetness and moisture to the meatloaf. Mix thoroughly until the ketchup is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf shape. Make sure to pack it down gently to avoid any air pockets.
- Lay 6 slices of bacon over the top of the meatloaf. The bacon will render its fat as it cooks, adding flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice.
- After resting, slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve warm. You can drizzle additional ketchup on top if desired, and pair it with your favorite sides.
Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- For extra moisture, don't overmix the meat mixture - blend just until ingredients are combined.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after cooking to help it retain its juices and make slicing easier.
- Choose high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and crispy topping.
- If you want a glazed finish, brush additional ketchup or BBQ sauce on top during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- For a leaner version, you can substitute some of the ground beef with ground turkey.
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 96mg
