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Savory Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze

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A comforting and flavorful meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with a sweet and smoky brown sugar bourbon glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain panko preferred)
  • ½ cup whole milk (can substitute almond milk)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 8–10 slices thick-cut bacon
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if shaping freeform.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and pork. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs.
  3. Pour in milk, Worcestershire sauce, and crack in the eggs. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  4. Gently combine all ingredients with a wooden spoon or your hands, being careful not to overmix. The mixture should feel moist but hold its shape when pressed.
  5. Transfer the mixture into your loaf pan, pressing down evenly but not too tightly. If shaping by hand, form an 8-inch long by 4-inch wide loaf on the baking sheet.
  6. Lay bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping to cover as much surface as possible.
  7. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Stir frequently and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
  8. Brush half the glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove from oven. Brush with remaining glaze and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  10. Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

If bacon isn’t crisping enough, broil for last 2-3 minutes watching closely. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free crackers or oats. Avoid overmixing meat to prevent dense loaf. Rest meatloaf before slicing for juiciness. Glaze may bubble over; use baking sheet to catch drips.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, brown sugar bourbon glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/savory-bacon-wrapped-meatloaf-recipe-with-easy-brown-sugar-bourbon-glaze/