There’s nothing quite like the savory delight of a homemade Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf, especially when the weekend calls for comfort food that warms the soul. The moment you pop this dish into the oven, the irresistible aroma of bacon and spices fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. I remember discovering this recipe during a cozy evening at home, and it’s become a staple every time I crave a hearty meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor.
What makes this meatloaf stand out is its unique barbecue topping that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, offering a delightful twist to the classic dish. Trust me—once you take a bite, you’ll find it’s a far cry from anything you’d grab in a fast-food line. Ideal for impressing guests or simply satisfying hungry family members, this Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf is a winning choice for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!
Why is Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf so special?
Comforting, Hearty Dish: This meatloaf melds rich beef with crispy bacon, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Unique BBQ Topping: The sweet and tangy barbecue glaze elevates the flavors, making each bite a flavorful encounter.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip this up even on a busy weeknight.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Family gatherings or dinner parties will be a hit when this dish takes center stage!
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with mashed potatoes, veggies, or on its own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
This Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf not only brings comfort but also packs a punch of taste, proving that homemade meals can be both satisfying and delicious!
Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf Ingredients
• Prepare to create a flavor-packed masterpiece with this delightful Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf!
For the Topping
- Ketchup – enhances the sweetness in the barbecue flavor.
- Barbecue sauce – choose your favorite variety for a personal touch.
- Dark brown sugar – adds deep caramel notes to the topping.
- Crushed red pepper – adjust for heat; it gives a nice kick!
- Cider vinegar – balances the sweetness with a tangy twist.
For the Meatloaf
- Ground chuck – rich and flavorful, this is the meat’s foundation.
- Thick-cut bacon – brings a smoky richness that elevates the entire dish.
- Yellow onion – adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic – infuses delicious aroma and flavor into the mix.
- Whole milk – keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
- Worcestershire Sauce – deepens the savory flavor profile.
- Dijon mustard – introduces a subtle tanginess that enhances taste.
- Quick oats – act as a binder and improve the texture.
- Large eggs – help in binding all the ingredients together.
- Ground black pepper – adds seasoning and a hint of spice.
With these simple yet essential ingredients, you’re well on your way to crafting a delectable Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf that far surpasses any fast food option!
How to Make Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf
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Preheat the oven to 350°F and adjust the rack to the middle position. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray a metal rack with non-stick cooking spray, placing it over the sheet for easy cooking.
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Whisk all topping ingredients—ketchup, barbecue sauce, dark brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and cider vinegar—together in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
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Par-cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until the fat is rendered, about 5-7 minutes. The bacon should be pliable but not browned or crispy.
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Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes to drain. Then, place it in a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground, which should take about 30-60 seconds. Set aside for later.
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Sauté the onions by discarding all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat from the skillet and heating it over medium-low. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and softened, about 4-6 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Mix in a large bowl the cooked onion and garlic mixture with whole milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, quick oats, eggs, and black pepper. Let this mixture rest for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Combine chopped bacon and ground chuck together in a separate large bowl, mixing until well incorporated, ensuring the flavors of bacon and beef meld beautifully.
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Pour the liquid mixture over the meat mixture and gently mix until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the meat as it can get tough.
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Shape the mixture into two equal loaves, approximately 8x5x3 inches. Place them on the prepared rack and reshape if needed for that classic meatloaf silhouette.
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Top each meatloaf with half of the barbecue topping mixture, ensuring even coverage. Bake them in the preheated oven at 350°F for 50-65 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the juices run clear. Tent the loaves with foil if the topping starts to brown too quickly.
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Cool the loaves for 10-15 minutes on a rack before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful meatloaf!
Optional: Serve with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf?
When you’re savoring a slice of this flavorful meatloaf, you want to surround it with delightful sides that elevate your meal.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery texture pairs wonderfully, soaking up the meatloaf’s savory juices for a comforting dish.
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Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in garlic provide a fresh crunch that complements the hearty meatloaf beautifully.
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Sweet Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread balances the savory meatloaf perfectly, making each bite a delightful contrast.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Adding crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts lends an earthy flavor that harmonizes with the smoky notes of bacon.
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Caesar Salad: A light, crunchy Caesar salad adds a refreshing counterpoint, with its creamy dressing brightening the meal.
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Homemade Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch, complementing the richness of the meatloaf while adding a pop of color.
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Baked Mac and Cheese: This cheesy dish is a crowd favorite; its creamy richness pairs divinely with the robust flavors of the meatloaf.
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Iced Tea or Lemonade: Both are refreshing beverages that cleanse the palate between bites of savory meatloaf, enhancing your dining experience.
Explore these delightful pairings, and make your Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf dinner a true feast!
Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf Variations
Feel free to get creative with this meatloaf masterpiece and make it truly your own!
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Turkey Blend: Substitute ground turkey for ground chuck for a leaner version. It may change the flavor, but adding extra spices will keep it flavorful.
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Gluten-Free Oats: Use certified gluten-free oats instead of regular quick oats to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining texture.
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Cheesy Delight: Incorporate shredded cheese into the meat mixture for a gooey surprise. Add your favorite cheese to the mix for a rich, savory bite!
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Sweet Heat: Drizzle honey or hot sauce over the meatloaf before baking for an unexpected sweet and spicy twist. Balance the flavors to keep everyone coming back for more.
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture for an aromatic enhancement. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and provide a delightful fragrance.
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Vegetable Boost: Fold in finely diced bell peppers or carrots for an added nutritional punch. This twist not only enhances flavor but also keeps your meatloaf moist.
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Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of ground black pepper for a tantalizing twist. This will add depth and a unique taste that’s truly irresistible.
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Sriracha Kick: Mix in a tablespoon of Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the meat mixture for a spicy zing. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance for a lively kick!
With these variations, you can take your Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf to exciting new heights, turning every meal into a special occasion. Enjoy experimenting!
Make Ahead Options
Prepare this Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf ahead of time for a stress-free meal on busy days! You can mix the meatloaf ingredients and form the loaves up to 24 hours in advance; cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the best quality, prep the barbecue topping separately and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply remove the meatloaf from the refrigerator, top with the barbecue glaze, and bake according to the recipe instructions. This way, you ensure a delicious, freshly made meal that tastes just as good as if it were done from scratch, saving you valuable time without compromising on flavor!
How to Store and Freeze Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf
Room Temperature: Meatloaf can be left out for up to 2 hours after cooking, but be sure to refrigerate it within this time to prevent spoilage.
Fridge: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer: Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring the flavors of your Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf remain intact!
Expert Tips for Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf
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Bacon Perfection: Par-cook the bacon just until pliable. This step ensures it blends seamlessly into the meatloaf without becoming overly greasy.
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining the meat and liquid mixtures, mix gently. Overworking can lead to a dense and tough Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf.
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Taste the Mixture: Before shaping, taste the meat mixture raw (just a small bit). Adjust seasoning as needed for a flavorful result.
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Uniform Size: Ensure both loaves are similar in size for even cooking. This prevents one loaf from overcooking while the other remains underdone.
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Resting Time: Don’t skip the 10-15 minute resting period after baking. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring moist and flavorful slices!
With these tips, you’ll create a delightful Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf that’s sure to be a family favorite!
Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right beef for my meatloaf?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and moisture, I recommend using ground chuck, which has a good balance of fat and lean meat. Look for a meat that contains about 80-85% lean meat to 15-20% fat. This ensures a juicy meatloaf without being overly greasy.
What’s the best way to store leftover meatloaf?
Very! To keep your beef-and-bacon meatloaf fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remember to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave or in the oven.
Can I freeze beef-and-bacon meatloaf?
Of course! To freeze your meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that it stays moist and delicious.
What if my meatloaf is too dry?
If you find that your beef-and-bacon meatloaf comes out dry, don’t worry! Next time, try adding a bit more milk or Worcestershire sauce to keep the mixture moist before baking. It can also help to check the internal temperature a bit earlier to avoid overcooking. You can even incorporate finely chopped vegetables or additional bacon to enhance moisture and flavor!
Are there any dietary considerations for meatloaf?
Definitely! If you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, though it may not have the same rich flavor. You can also swap quick oats for gluten-free oats if gluten is a concern. Additionally, be mindful of allergies to ingredients such as eggs or dairy; substitutes like flax eggs and almond milk can work well in this recipe!
How can I tell if my meatloaf is done?
Very good question! The best way to check if your beef-and-bacon meatloaf is done is by using a meat thermometer. It should read at least 160°F in the thickest part of the loaf. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices and a firm texture as visual indicators that your meatloaf is fully cooked.
Savory Beef-and-Bacon Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheet.
- Whisk all topping ingredients together in a bowl.
- Par-cook bacon in a skillet until pliable.
- Transfer bacon to a plate to drain, then chop coarsely in a food processor.
- Sauté onion in skillet until translucent, add garlic for the last 30 seconds.
- Mix onion and garlic with remaining meatloaf ingredients.
- Combine chopped bacon and ground chuck in a separate bowl.
- Pour liquid mixture over meat mixture and mix gently.
- Shape into two loaves and place on rack.
- Top with barbecue mixture and bake until cooked through.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.