Easy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender meatloaf wrapped in crispy turkey bacon, served with a rich tomato sauce.
If you’re searching for a comforting meal that brings a delightful crunch to your dinner table, look no further than turkey bacon-wrapped meatloaf. This hearty, flavorful dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. My love for this recipe stems from the crispy turkey bacon enveloping the tender meat and rich tomato sauce that elevates the classic meatloaf to something truly special. You may also find Best Damn Instant Pot Meatloaf useful.
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
One of the main reasons to make turkey bacon-wrapped meatloaf is its simplicity combined with gourmet appeal. With minimal preparation and cooking time, it allows you to serve a delicious meal that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying for picky eaters. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering.
For those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, this dish can serve as a great canvas for creativity. Don’t forget to check out other delightful recipes such as turkey bacon-wrapped pickles for a fun twist on your next appetizer.
01Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
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0 OF 7 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs or spices into the meat mixture. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking; this makes slicing much easier.
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How to make Turkey bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Step-by-step overview
Making turkey bacon-wrapped meatloaf is easy and consists of a few simple steps. You’ll blend the ingredients, shape the loaf, wrap it in turkey bacon, and bake it with a delicious sauce. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to create this dish.
Ingredients
Key Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a delicious meatloaf:
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 slices crusty Italian bread
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 3 large eggs
- 2 carrots, grated (about 1 cup)
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 8 slices turkey bacon
- 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 3 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. mustard powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- Steamed green beans, for serving
Feel free to customize with ingredients you love; substitutions like ground turkey or adding different spices can make it your own!
Directions
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Pour the milk over the bread in a large bowl and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Use your fingers to crumble the bread into small pieces.
- Add the ground beef, eggs, grated carrots, parmesan cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the soaked bread. Mix thoroughly by kneading with your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet. Overlap the turkey bacon slices on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, about 50 to 60 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the sauce by combining the diced tomatoes with their juices, brown sugar, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Simmer and partially cover, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, around 30 minutes.
- Once the meatloaf is done, slice it thickly and ladle the sauce over each serving. Serve alongside steamed green beans.
How to serve Turkey bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Serving suggestions
This scrumptious meatloaf can be beautifully plated with steamed green beans and a generous drizzle of sauce on top. For a complete meal, consider adding mashed potatoes or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors.
How to store
Keeping leftovers fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven until warmed through. You can also freeze portions of the meatloaf for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Variations
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment! You can add barbecue sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce for a smoky flavor or more vegetables for extra nutrition. Even swapping out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey offers a lighter alternative.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to prepare beef meatloaf?
Preparation usually takes about 15–20 minutes, and baking takes about 50 to 60 minutes.
2. Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with turkey for a leaner dish and use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly option.
3. Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just shape and bake it when you are ready to cook.
Conclusion
Turkey bacon-wrapped meatloaf is a delightful meal that combines rich flavors with a satisfying texture that the entire family will love. For more ideas, check out Turkey bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf and my Bacon Wrapped Filets with Cowboy Butter. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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