Introduction to Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s been gracing dinner tables for generations. But why settle for an ordinary meatloaf when you can elevate it to new heights with a smoky maple glaze and a crispy bacon wrap? Introducing the Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf – a dish that’s guaranteed to become your new family favorite.
This unique twist on a beloved classic combines the savory richness of ground beef with the sweet and smoky notes of maple syrup and smoked paprika. The bacon wrapping not only adds a delightful crunch but also seals in all the juicy flavors, creating a truly mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply craving a comforting home-cooked meal, this Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients for Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
To make this irresistible Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef – The foundation of the meatloaf, providing a rich and savory base.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – Helps to bind the meatloaf and give it a delightful texture.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds depth of flavor and aromatics to the meatloaf.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall flavor profile with its pungent aroma.
- 1 large egg – Acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.
- 1 tsp salt – Seasons the meatloaf and brings out the natural flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Adds a subtle kick of heat and complexity.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Infuses the meatloaf with a delightful smoky essence.
- 1/2 cup ketchup – The base for the smoky maple glaze that coats the meatloaf.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup – Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 6 slices bacon – Wraps around the meatloaf, creating a crispy, flavor-packed exterior.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly and develops a delicious caramelized exterior.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. This will allow the meatloaf to hold its shape during the cooking process.
Wrap with Bacon
Lay the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath. The bacon will not only add a delightful crunch but also help to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.</
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and maple syrup to create the smoky maple glaze. This sweet and savory combination will elevate the meatloaf to new heights.
Bake the Meatloaf
Place the bacon-wrapped meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Halfway through the cooking time, brush the remaining glaze over the top of the meatloaf. This will ensure the glaze caramelizes and creates a beautiful sheen.
Rest and Slice
Once the meatloaf is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a perfectly moist and flavorful meatloaf. Slice and serve the Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf warm, and enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
The Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic green beans, or a fresh and crunchy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, you can also slice the meatloaf and serve it on toasted brioche buns for delectable meatloaf sandwiches.
Variations and Customizations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! You can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, to suit your preferences. Additionally, you can incorporate diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or grated carrots into the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Feel free to explore various glaze options, such as a tangy barbecue sauce or a zesty chipotle-honey glaze, to put your own unique spin on this classic dish.
Nutritional Information
A single serving of Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (approximately 1/6 of the recipe) contains approximately 400 calories, 27 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 22 grams of carbohydrates. To make this recipe a bit lighter, you can opt for lean ground beef, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular, and reduce the amount of bacon. Portion control is also key, as this meatloaf is quite satisfying and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for a bacon-wrapped meatloaf?
To make a delicious bacon-wrapped meatloaf, you will need the following ingredients: ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork), breadcrumbs or oats, eggs, onion (finely chopped), garlic (minced), Worcestershire sauce, ketchup (for the glaze), salt, pepper, bacon (slices to wrap around the meatloaf), and optional additional seasonings or vegetables as desired (e.g., bell peppers, herbs).
How long should I cook a bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and at what temperature?
You should cook your bacon-wrapped meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). The cooking time typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the meatloaf. To ensure it’s fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Can I make bacon-wrapped meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare bacon-wrapped meatloaf ahead of time. You can either assemble it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking, or you can cook it and then store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, you can freeze the uncooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
What can I serve with bacon-wrapped meatloaf?
Bacon-wrapped meatloaf pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, green beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with additional ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
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- Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
- Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups
- Irish Pub Burger
Conclusion
The Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a truly irresistible dish that combines the comforting flavors of a classic meatloaf with a delightful twist. The smoky and sweet glaze, along with the crispy bacon wrapping, elevates this recipe to new heights of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this meatloaf is sure to wow and delight everyone at the table. So why not give it a try and experience the magic of this mouthwatering masterpiece?
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Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Smoky Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf combines the savory richness of ground beef with the sweet and smoky notes of maple syrup and smoked paprika, all enveloped in crispy bacon. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef – The foundation of the meatloaf, providing a rich and savory base.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – Helps to bind the meatloaf and give it a delightful texture.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds depth of flavor and aromatics to the meatloaf.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall flavor profile with its pungent aroma.
- 1 large egg – Acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.
- 1 tsp salt – Seasons the meatloaf and brings out the natural flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Adds a subtle kick of heat and complexity.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Infuses the meatloaf with a delightful smoky essence.
- 1/2 cup ketchup – The base for the smoky maple glaze that coats the meatloaf.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup – Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 6 slices bacon – Wraps around the meatloaf, creating a crispy, flavor-packed exterior.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until well incorporated.
Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.
Wrap with Bacon
Lay the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath.
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and maple syrup to create the smoky maple glaze.
Bake the Meatloaf
Place the bacon-wrapped meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Brush the remaining glaze over the top halfway through cooking.
Rest and Slice
Once cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 70°C), let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads. Feel free to customize with different ground meats or add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: meatloaf, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, smoky maple glaze