Juicy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe

This Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is simple enough for a weeknight dinner and elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, and this version is rich, juicy, and deeply flavorful.

Crispy bacon wrapped around a tender, juicy meatloaf is the reason this recipe has become a family favorite. It balances savory flavors, moist texture, and a beautiful presentation without being difficult to prepare.

This bacon-wrapped meatloaf is meaty, moist, and packed with flavor. Though it looks impressive, the steps are straightforward — perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. If you enjoy bacon-wrapped dishes, you’ll find this one among the top of your list.

Key ingredients and substitution ideas

Below are notes on the most important ingredients and simple swaps if you have dietary preferences or limited pantry supplies. The complete ingredient list with measurements is available in the recipe card further down.

• Fresh thyme — If you don’t have fresh thyme, use dried thyme at half the amount called for (dried is more concentrated).
• Steak or meatloaf seasoning — A bold seasoning blend like Montreal steak seasoning works well here. You can use any savory all-purpose meat seasoning you prefer.
• Breadcrumbs — Use Italian breadcrumbs for flavor. Substitute gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free. For a lower-carb or keto option, replace breadcrumbs with pork panko or a finely ground nut-based crumb substitute.
• Bacon — Use traditional-cut bacon (not thick-cut) so it crisps while the meatloaf finishes cooking. You can try flavored bacons such as peppered, maple, or applewood-smoked for extra character.

Instructions

Follow these clear steps for a perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped meatloaf. The method emphasizes simple prep, a neat bacon weave, and proper cooking and resting for the best texture.

1. Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sauté the aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add 6 cloves minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Mix the meatloaf. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground pork, 1 pound ground beef, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon steak seasoning, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs. Add the cooked onions and garlic and gently mix with your hands until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Create a bacon weave. On a cutting board, lay 5 slices of bacon side by side, then weave 5 more slices across them, over and under, to form a lattice that will fully cover the loaf.
5. Assemble and wrap. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of the bacon weave. Fold the bacon up and over the meatloaf and tuck edges to secure.
6. Prepare to bake. Place a metal baking rack on a foil-lined baking sheet. Transfer the meatloaf, seam-side down, onto the rack so air circulates and the bacon crisps evenly.
7. Bake. Roast at 400°F for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Do not cover the meatloaf; leaving it uncovered ensures the bacon becomes nicely crisp.
8. Rest before slicing. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute so slices hold together.

Cook’s tip: Resist the urge to cover the loaf while it bakes — the uncovered surface is what allows the bacon to crisp and develop deep flavor.

Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

A flavorful, juicy meatloaf wrapped in a crisp bacon lattice — great for family dinners and celebrations alike.

Servings:
8 slices

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes

Author:
Whitney Bond

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon steak seasoning
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 10 slices traditional bacon (not thick-cut)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions for 4–5 minutes, add garlic and cook 1 minute, then remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, eggs, thyme, steak seasoning, balsamic vinegar, and breadcrumbs. Add the cooked onion and garlic and mix gently by hand until combined.
4. Weave the 10 bacon strips into a lattice on a cutting board. Form the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the bacon weave. Fold the bacon up and around the loaf to wrap it.
5. Place a metal baking rack on a foil-lined baking sheet and transfer the loaf, seam-side down, onto the rack. Roast for about 1 hour until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Gluten Free: Use gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free.
• Keto: Substitute pork panko crumbs or a nut-based crumb to reduce carbs.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the loaf up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Storage: Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 4 months.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 485 kcal

Carbohydrates: 9 g

Protein: 26 g

Fat: 38 g (Saturated Fat: 13 g)

Cholesterol: 140 mg

Sodium: 370 mg

Potassium: 454 mg

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 2 g

Iron: 3 mg