Savory Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze
This mouthwatering meatloaf, inspired by America's Test Kitchen, marries the savory goodness of seasoned ground meat with the rich flavor of bacon. Topped with a delectable brown sugar ketchup glaze, each slice serves up a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The addition of fresh herbs and tender sautéed onions elevates this classic dish, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Whether served with mashed potatoes, green beans, or on its own, this meatloaf promises to be a crowd-pleaser and a true comfort food staple.
5-6 servings
Servings
400
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (Canola oil preferred)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Eggs
2 large (Beaten)
Dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons
Hot red pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon
Milk or plain yogurt
1/2 cup
Ground meat
2 lbs (Mixture of beef, pork, or turkey)
Saltine crackers or oatmeal
2/3 cup (Crushed)
Fresh parsley
1/3 cup (Minced)
Bacon
6-8 ounces (Thinly sliced (about 8-12 slices))
Ketchup or chili sauce
1/2 cup
Brown sugar
4 tablespoons
Cider vinegar or white vinegar
4 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Prepare the glaze by combining ketchup (or chili sauce), brown sugar, and vinegar in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
In a medium skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
4
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, dried thyme, salt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot red pepper sauce, and milk (or yogurt) until combined.
5
Add the ground meat to the egg mixture, followed by the crushed saltine crackers (or oatmeal), minced parsley, and the cooled onion and garlic mixture. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and does not stick to the sides of the bowl. If it is too sticky, add milk a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
6
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
7
Brush half of the prepared glaze over the top of the meatloaf, reserving the other half for later.
8
Arrange the bacon slices crosswise over the meatloaf, overlapping them slightly and tucking the ends underneath to secure. This will help keep the bacon in place while baking.
9
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C).
10
Once baked, allow the meatloaf to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
11
While the meatloaf is resting, simmer the reserved glaze in a small saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
12
Slice the meatloaf and serve it warm, drizzled with the thickened glaze on top.
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
25
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze?
This is a classic comfort food dish featuring seasoned ground meat wrapped in bacon and topped with a sweet brown sugar and ketchup glaze.
What kind of ground meat is best for this recipe?
A mixture of ground beef, pork, or turkey works best to achieve the perfect flavor and texture.
How do I prepare the sweet ketchup glaze?
In a small bowl, combine ketchup or chili sauce with brown sugar and cider vinegar, mixing well until smooth.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the meatloaf.
Can I use something other than saltine crackers as a binder?
Yes, you can use 2/3 cup of oatmeal as a substitute for the crushed saltine crackers.
What can I use if I do not have milk?
You can use an equal amount of plain yogurt instead of milk in this recipe.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from being too sticky?
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they no longer stick to the sides of the bowl. If it remains too sticky, add milk one tablespoon at a time.
How should I arrange the bacon on the meatloaf?
Arrange bacon slices crosswise over the meatloaf, overlapping them slightly and tucking the ends underneath to secure them.
How long does the meatloaf need to bake?
Bake the meatloaf for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Why do I need to let the meatloaf rest after baking?
Allowing the meatloaf to rest for at least 20 minutes helps the juices redistribute, making it easier to slice without falling apart.
What should I do with the remaining glaze?
Simmer the reserved glaze in a small saucepan for 5-10 minutes until thickened, then drizzle it over the sliced meatloaf before serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This meatloaf recipe makes approximately 5 to 6 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 400 calories, 25 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein.
Can I use chili sauce instead of ketchup?
Yes, chili sauce can be used as a direct substitute for ketchup in the glaze for a slightly different flavor profile.
How should the onions and garlic be prepared?
The onion should be chopped and the garlic minced, then both should be sautéed in vegetable oil for about 5 minutes until softened.
Is it necessary to sauté the onions before adding them to the meat?
Yes, sautéing the onions and garlic ensures they are tender and fragrant before being mixed into the loaf.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
Canola oil is the preferred vegetable oil for sautéing the aromatics in this recipe.
What spices and seasonings are included in the meat mixture?
The recipe calls for dried thyme leaves, salt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot red pepper sauce.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
You will need 6-8 ounces of thinly sliced bacon, which is typically about 8-12 slices.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of minced fresh parsley.
What type of vinegar should I use for the glaze?
You can use either cider vinegar or white vinegar for the glaze.
Does this meatloaf contain eggs?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 large beaten eggs to help bind the ingredients together.
How do I ensure the bacon is crispy?
Baking the meatloaf for the full hour at 350°F typically allows the bacon to become crispy while the meat reaches its target temperature.
Should I use a loaf pan or a baking sheet?
The instructions recommend shaping the meat into a loaf and placing it on a foil-lined baking sheet for easier cleanup.
Can I make this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this meatloaf is described as being perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
What sides go well with this meatloaf?
It is traditionally served with mashed potatoes or green beans.
What is the target internal temperature for the meatloaf?
The meatloaf is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Is the glaze applied all at once?
No, you brush half of the glaze on before baking and reserve the other half to be thickened and drizzled on after baking.
What is the preparation for the fresh parsley?
The fresh parsley should be finely minced before being added to the meat mixture.
How long do I simmer the reserved glaze?
The reserved glaze should be simmered over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until it has slightly thickened.