Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, ketchup, eggs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well: Use your hands or a fork to mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated, but do not overmix.
Step 3: Form the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf, or form it by hand on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Wrap with Bacon: Lay the bacon strips over the top of the meatloaf, tucking them underneath if possible. Use enough bacon to cover the entire surface, overlapping slightly.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Glaze: In the last 15 minutes of baking, you can brush the top with additional ketchup or BBQ sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a more tender meatloaf.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into thick slices and serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your meatloaf is cooked perfectly without drying it out.
- Bacon Choices: Thicker cut bacon adds more flavor and stays crispy better than thinner varieties.
- Leftovers: This meatloaf reheats well in the microwave or oven and can be used in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes!
This Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is comfort food at its finest, combining the savory flavors of meat and bacon with a hint of sweetness from the ketchup. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a delicious, hearty meal! Enjoy!