Maple Bacon Glazed Meatloaf

Description

Maple Bacon Glazed Meatloaf is a delicious twist on classic comfort food. Tender, juicy ground beef is blended with onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, then topped with smoky bacon and a sweet, tangy maple glaze. As it bakes, the glaze caramelizes while the bacon becomes beautifully crisp, creating an irresistible combination of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s a cozy family dinner that pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.

🥩 Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 2 lb (900 g) ground beef
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

🍁 Maple Bacon Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Make the meat mixture:
   Add ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and parsley to a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Shape the meatloaf:
   Form the mixture into a loaf about 8–9 inches long. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Add the bacon:
   Lay the bacon slices across the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping. Tuck the ends underneath if possible.
5. Prepare the glaze:
   Whisk together ketchup, maple syrup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
6. Bake:
   Brush half of the glaze over the bacon-covered meatloaf. Bake for 40 minutes.
7. Glaze again:
   Remove the meatloaf and generously brush with the remaining maple glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is browned and crisp.
8. Rest:
   Let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy and makes cleaner slices.

🔥 Pro Tips

• Use 80/20 ground beef for a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
• Don’t overmix the beef mixture or the meatloaf can become dense.
• For extra-crispy bacon, bake the meatloaf on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
• Brush on a little extra maple glaze immediately before serving.
• Letting the meatloaf rest is important—it keeps the juices from running out when sliced.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, corn, or a crisp garden salad. Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches the next day!