Sink your teeth into a rich and smoky slice of BBQ Bacon Meatloaf a dish that redefines classic comfort food with its irresistible balance of tender ground beef, crispy bacon topping, and a sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. Every bite delivers a satisfying medley of flavors and textures that the whole family will rave about.
Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy Sunday dinner or a hearty weekday meal, this meatloaf offers endless versatility. Customize it with turkey for a leaner option or add shredded cheese for an indulgent twist. Pair it with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or roasted vegetables for the ultimate comfort food experience that’s as nostalgic as it is crave-worthy.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
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1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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½ cup milk
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½ cup BBQ sauce
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½ cup diced onions
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
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4 slices of bacon
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¼ cup BBQ sauce
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, BBQ sauce, onions, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
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Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
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Drape bacon slices over the top, tucking the ends underneath the loaf.
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Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and spread ¼ cup BBQ sauce over the top. Return to oven for another 15 minutes.
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The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
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Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
BBQ Bacon Meatloaf: A Smoky Twist on Classic Comfort
When it comes to timeless comfort food that warms both the belly and the soul, meatloaf ranks high on the list. But if you’re craving something with a little more flair than the traditional ketchup-topped loaf, BBQ Bacon Meatloaf might just become your new go-to. Juicy, smoky, and glazed with a sticky-sweet BBQ sauce, this recipe takes all the things you love about classic meatloaf and kicks it up a notch with bacon.
This dish is more than just a meal it’s a statement. It brings a beautiful balance of flavors and textures to your table while remaining easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just want to feed your family something hearty and wholesome, BBQ Bacon Meatloaf delivers every time.
A Modern Take on a Retro Favorite
Meatloaf has a long, storied history. It rose to popularity in American households during the Great Depression as a way to stretch inexpensive meats and make use of pantry staples like breadcrumbs and eggs. Over the decades, it has evolved, but the core idea remains the same: a simple, filling dish made with love.
This BBQ Bacon version is a modern reinvention of the humble meatloaf, adding bold flavors and irresistible textures. The addition of smoky bacon brings a crispy contrast to the soft interior, while the BBQ glaze caramelizes into a sticky, flavorful crust as it bakes. The result? A meatloaf that’s anything but boring.
What Makes BBQ Bacon Meatloaf So Irresistible?
At its core, this meatloaf is all about balance. It pairs:
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Savory ground meat with
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Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce,
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Smoky, crispy bacon, and
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A blend of warming spices like garlic and paprika.
It’s the contrast between the sweet glaze and salty bacon that really sets this dish apart. The BBQ sauce not only adds flavor but also moisture, which helps prevent the loaf from drying out in the oven. And when you bake it just right, you get that coveted caramelized edge that makes every bite an experience.
There’s also something inherently satisfying about bacon-wrapped anything. In this recipe, the bacon goes on top of the loaf, rendering its fat into the meat below while forming a beautiful golden crust. It’s visually stunning and absolutely delicious.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the reasons BBQ Bacon Meatloaf is so popular is that it appeals to both adults and kids. While traditional meatloaf can sometimes be met with skepticism (especially by younger eaters), this version has enough flavor and fun to win over even the pickiest palate.
The BBQ sauce gives it that familiar, comforting taste, while the bacon adds a touch of indulgence. It’s the kind of dish that gets devoured quickly great for feeding a hungry crowd or making sure there are leftovers for the next day.
Versatility at Its Best
Another great thing about this meatloaf is its adaptability. While the base version is incredibly satisfying, there are countless ways to make it your own.
Want to make it lighter? Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Need more vegetables? Grated carrots or zucchini blend in easily and add moisture.
Like it spicy? Use a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce or add chili flakes to the mix.
Craving cheese? Shredded cheddar or pepper jack inside the loaf gives it a melty, gooey center.
Whether you’re adjusting it for health reasons or taste preferences, BBQ Bacon Meatloaf holds up to a wide range of variations without losing its appeal.
The Perfect Sides to Serve With BBQ Bacon Meatloaf
This dish is hearty and rich, so you’ll want sides that either complement or lighten things up.
Here are some classic and creative options to consider:
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Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate pairing. Creamy and buttery, they’re the perfect base to soak up the extra BBQ sauce.
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Roasted Vegetables – Think carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a colorful and nutrient-rich addition.
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Coleslaw – The crisp texture and tangy flavor contrast beautifully with the warm, savory meatloaf.
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Cornbread or Dinner Rolls – Because every good meatloaf meal needs a bread component.
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Mac and Cheese – For a comfort food on comfort food combo that’s hard to resist.
Of course, you can always keep it light with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli if you’re going for balance.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly
One of the best things about meatloaf in general and this version in particular is how well it works for leftovers. It slices beautifully once cooled, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Here’s how you can make the most of your meatloaf:
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Make it ahead of time and refrigerate the unbaked loaf overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next day.
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Bake and freeze individual slices for quick meals on the go. They reheat easily in the microwave or oven.
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Transform leftovers into sandwiches, sliders, or even crumble it over baked potatoes or nachos for a BBQ twist.
It’s a practical, low waste dish that keeps on giving.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you’d like to freeze it, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
BBQ Sauce Tips & Flavor Upgrades
The BBQ sauce is a key player in this recipe. Use your favorite brand, or better yet make your own. Whether you love a Kansas City-style sweet molasses glaze, a Carolina-style tangy mustard base, or a Texas-style smoky-spicy profile, the sauce changes the entire tone of the meatloaf.
Want to boost the flavor even more? Consider brushing a second layer of sauce over the loaf halfway through baking for an ultra-caramelized finish. Or mix the BBQ sauce with a touch of honey or maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness.
A Dish That Feels Like Home
BBQ Bacon Meatloaf is more than a recipe it’s a memory in the making. It has that homemade quality that brings people to the table, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone feeling full and satisfied. It’s the kind of dish that becomes part of your regular rotation, one that your family requests again and again.
And whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight meal or sharing it at a gathering, it always feels right.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking to elevate your meatloaf game, this BBQ Bacon Meatloaf is a must try. With smoky bacon, sweet tangy BBQ glaze, and a tender, flavorful interior, it’s a winning combination of simplicity and indulgence. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy, it’s everything a comfort dish should be.
So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, skip the boring options and give this bold, bacon-wrapped beauty a shot. Serve it with your favorite sides, savor every bite, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular feature at your dinner table.