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Classic Comforting Meatloaf with Bacon Weave Easy Recipe for Perfect Ketchup Glaze

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A classic comforting meatloaf topped with a crispy bacon weave and a tangy ketchup glaze, perfect for hearty family dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (90g) bread crumbs (preferably panko for light texture)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 10–12 slices thick-cut bacon
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, whole milk, bread crumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf about 9 x 5 inches and 3 inches high on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. On a clean cutting board, lay out 5 slices of bacon side by side. Weave 5 more slices perpendicularly over and under the first layer to create a lattice. Trim edges if needed.
  5. Place the bacon weave gently over the meatloaf, tucking the ends under the loaf.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  7. Brush half of the glaze evenly over the bacon weave.
  8. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. Brush with the remaining glaze and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Brush the glaze twice during baking for a caramelized crust. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it moist. If bacon browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, bacon weave, ketchup glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, classic meatloaf

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