Beef and Bacon Meatloaf: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Meatloaf is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth to the dinner table. Combining juicy ground beef with the irresistible flavor of bacon, this beef and bacon meatloaf recipe is the perfect balance of rich, savory goodness. We’ve elevated the traditional meatloaf by incorporating fresh ingredients and optimizing texture for an unforgettable dining experience. Prepare to impress your guests with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, moist and tender in every bite.

Photo bytexas sasie lady

Ingredients

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, use high-quality ingredients:

• 1 medium red onion, coarsely diced
• 3 large garlic cloves, peeled
• 1¼ pounds (20 oz.) ground beef (preferably with 10-15% fat)
• ½ cup ketchup, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 7 slices thick-cut bacon (5 coarsely chopped, 2 halved crosswise)
• 4 slices white sandwich bread, torn into small pieces
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Photo bytexas sasie lady

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high initial temperature ensures a golden, caramelized crust while keeping the interior juicy and tender.

2. Blend Aromatics

• In a food processor, pulse the red onion and garlic until finely chopped. Transfer the aromatic mixture to a large mixing bowl.

3. Combine the Meat Mixture

• Add the ground beef, ¼ cup of the ketchup, eggs, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the onion-garlic mixture. Mix gently until well combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.

4. Prepare the Bread and Bacon Blend

• Using the same food processor, pulse the coarsely chopped bacon and torn bread pieces until they are uniformly crumbled. This step ensures even distribution throughout the meatloaf, adding moisture and depth of flavor.

5. Incorporate the Bacon and Bread

• Gently fold the bacon-bread mixture and parsley into the meat mixture. Ensure everything is evenly combined without overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.

6. Shape and Assemble the Loaf

• Lightly grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Transfer the meat mixture to the pan, pressing gently to create an even surface. Lay the halved bacon slices crosswise on top, tucking the edges down the sides for a polished finish. Spoon the remaining ketchup between the bacon slices.

7. Bake to Perfection

• Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the meat pulls away from the sides of the pan.

8. Rest and Serve

• Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing. Use a spatula to slide under one end and carefully transfer the loaf onto a serving platter. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Photo bytexas sasie lady

Pairing Suggestions

This beef and bacon meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. For a touch of acidity, consider serving with pickles or a tangy coleslaw. For a more indulgent experience, a cheesy scalloped potato casserole is a luxurious addition.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This recipe serves six generous portions. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional values:

• Calories: 323.5 kcal
• Fat: 14.5g
• • Saturated Fat: 5.0g
• Cholesterol: 138.8mg
• Carbohydrates: 24.2g
• • Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
  • Sugars: 7.8g
• Net Carbs: 21.6g
• Protein: 27.2g

Cooking Tips for Success

• Bread as a Binder: The bread helps retain moisture, ensuring the meatloaf stays tender. Opt for soft white bread to keep the texture light.
• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat mixture can lead to a tough, dense loaf. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Resting Is Key: Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing helps redistribute juices, preventing it from drying out.

Diagram: Layering the Meatloaf

Below is a visual representation of how to assemble the meatloaf:

mermaidCopy codegraph TD;
A[Ground Beef Mixture] --> B[Layered Bacon Slices];
B --> C[Ketchup Topping];
C --> D[Bake at 400°F for 1 Hour];

This beef and bacon meatloaf is the epitome of hearty, home-cooked comfort food. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises to deliver flavor-packed results that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.