BBQ Beef Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (Printer-Friendly)
Tender beef loaf wrapped in crispy bacon with tangy BBQ glaze
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 12 slices streaky bacon
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Binders & Fillers
05 - 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/2 cup whole milk
→ Sauces & Condiments
08 - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for glazing
09 - 2 tbsp ketchup
10 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Seasonings
11 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
03 - Shape the mixture into a loaf approximately 9 x 5 inches and place on the prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan.
04 - Lay the bacon strips over the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath to wrap completely.
05 - Brush the top of the bacon with a generous layer of BBQ sauce.
06 - Bake for 50 minutes. Remove from oven, brush with more BBQ sauce, and return to oven for another 10–15 minutes, until bacon is crisp and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
07 - Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crispy bacon keeps everything incredibly juicy while adding that smoky crunch we all secretly crave
- That BBQ glaze caramelizes into something magical, creating those sticky sweet corners everyone fights over
02 -
- The bacon will shrink during cooking, so tuck those ends underneath thoroughly or you'll have curled edges
- Letting the meatloaf rest isn't optional. I skipped it once and ended up with a dry disappointment and a puddle on the cutting board
03 -
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup ever. Those BBQ drippings can be a nightmare to scrub off
- Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly and prevent those small white egg specks throughout the loaf