Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mind-blowing Candied Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf! Imagine a perfectly seasoned blend of ground beef and pork, lovingly embraced by crispy, caramelized bacon and glazed with a sweet and tangy ketchup-brown sugar sauce. This isn't just a meatloaf - it's a flavor bomb that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, and possibly fighting over the last slice!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 lb bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow excess grease to drip.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Mix thoroughly using your hands to ensure even distribution of meats.
- Add breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup and brown sugar to create a sweet glaze.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the baking sheet and shape into a compact loaf, approximately 9x5 inches.
- Carefully wrap bacon strips around the entire meatloaf, slightly overlapping each strip to create a complete bacon covering. Ensure the bacon is snug but not stretched too tightly.
- Brush half of the ketchup-brown sugar glaze over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf, covering all exposed surfaces.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf. Return to oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for easier cutting.
- Slice into 1-inch thick portions and serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: Always mix ground meats with your hands to ensure even distribution and prevent tough, overworked meat.
- Bacon Wrapping Technique: Slightly overlap bacon strips to create a complete coverage, but don't stretch them too tight to allow proper cooking and rendering.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety without overcooking.
- Resting Matters: Let the meatloaf rest 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
- Glaze Application: Apply the ketchup-brown sugar glaze in two stages for maximum caramelization and flavor depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 145mg
