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Savory Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe with Tangy Glaze

brown sugar bacon-wrapped meatloaf - featured image

A smoky, sweet, and juicy meatloaf wrapped in a crispy bacon weave and topped with a tangy glaze, perfect for easy and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 10 to 12 thick-cut bacon strips
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Tangy Glaze:
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf approximately 9 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 3 inches tall on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Weave 5 to 6 bacon strips parallel on a clean surface, then weave another 5 to 6 strips perpendicularly to create a bacon lattice. Carefully drape the bacon weave over the meatloaf, trimming excess bacon.
  5. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush half of the glaze evenly over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
  6. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, brush with remaining glaze, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until bacon is crisp and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if bacon browns too quickly.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Use cold bacon for easier weaving. Apply glaze in two rounds to prevent burning. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing for juicier results. Make glaze ahead for convenience. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, brown sugar meatloaf, tangy glaze, easy dinner, comfort food, bacon weave