Print

Classic Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf – Best Easy Homemade Recipe

brown sugar bacon-wrapped meatloaf - featured image
Print Recipe

This Classic Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is a crowd-pleasing comfort food featuring a caramelized bacon crust and tender, juicy meat. It’s simple to make with everyday ingredients and perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 ground chuck)
  • 12–16 slices thin-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 cup (120g) plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
  4. To the panade, add cooled onions and garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix with a fork until combined.
  5. Add ground beef and use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared wire rack. Shape into a loaf about 9 inches long and 5 inches wide.
  7. Create a bacon weave: Lay 6-8 slices of bacon vertically on plastic wrap or parchment, slightly overlapping. Fold every other strip back, lay a horizontal strip across, then unfold the folded strips. Repeat with the next horizontal strip, folding back the opposite vertical strips. Continue until you have a weave large enough to cover the top and sides of the meatloaf. Alternatively, simply lay bacon strips lengthwise over the loaf, overlapping slightly.
  8. Carefully lift the bacon weave (or strips) and drape over the meatloaf. Tuck the ends under the loaf.
  9. In a small bowl, combine packed brown sugar (and maple syrup if using). Pat the mixture generously all over the bacon-wrapped loaf.
  10. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Remove from oven and let rest on the wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes.
  12. Slice with a sharp serrated knife into 1-inch thick slices and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the panade (breadcrumbs soaked in milk) – it keeps the meatloaf moist. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. For easier cleanup, line the baking sheet with foil. If the bacon weave seems intimidating, simply lay bacon strips lengthwise over the loaf.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped meatloaf, brown sugar meatloaf, classic meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, homemade meatloaf, comfort food, bacon weave meatloaf

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/classic-brown-sugar-bacon-wrapped-meatloaf-best-easy-homemade-recipe/