Hearty bacon-topped meatloaf

This bacon-topped meatloaf is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard add depth and a hint of tang. The brown sugar-ketchup glaze caramelizes beautifully, balancing savory and sweet flavors, and the bacon adds a smoky, crispy topping that makes each bite irresistible. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans or a simple side salad to complement the rich flavors. For an extra layer, add a homemade gravy for the potatoes to make this a hearty, comforting meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • Meatloaf
    • 1½ lbs. ground beef (80-85% lean) (or 1 lb. beef and ½ lb ground pork)
    • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    • ½ cup milk
    • 1 egg
    • 1 small onion, finely diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Topping
    • ½ cup ketchup
    • 2 tbsp brown sugar
    • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 6-8 strips of bacon

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined – avoid overmixing.
  3. Shape Meatloaf: Place the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
  4. Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread half of this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  5. Add Bacon: Lay bacon strips on top of the meatloaf, tucking the edges under if necessary to fully cover the meatloaf.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the meatloaf, and brush the remaining ketchup mixture over the bacon.
  7. Finish Baking: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
  8. Rest & Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Leave a Reply