If you have a craving that combines smoky comfort with a finger-licking kick, then this Bacon-Infused Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a juicy meatloaf packed with savory bacon flavor, wrapped in a sticky, sweet and tangy BBQ glaze that elevates every bite. This dish brings together simple pantry staples for a hearty, homey meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family or a casual gathering, this recipe will warm hearts and plates alike with its perfect marriage of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Bacon-Infused Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze Recipe is a breeze, and each element plays a crucial role in delivering that unforgettable flavor and satisfying texture.
- ½ cup ketchup: Adds a sweet tang and helps keep the meat moist.
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (Blue’s Hog Original, if possible): Brings that smoky, saucy depth essential for the glaze.
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar: Balances the savory elements with a rich sweetness.
- ¼-½ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Introduces a gentle, warm heat to keep things exciting.
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
- 2½ pounds ground chuck: The hearty, juicy foundation of your meatloaf.
- 12 ounces thick-cut bacon: The star ingredient that infuses smoky flavor throughout.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and natural moisture.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1/3 cup whole milk: Keeps the mixture tender and soft.
- ½ cup ketchup: For mixing into the meat, enhancing moisture and flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts umami and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and mild spice.
- ¾ cup quick oats: Acts as a binder without overpowering flavors.
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Helps hold the meatloaf together perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: A gentle peppery kick to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Bacon-Infused Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Setup
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and moving your oven rack to the middle position for even cooking. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil to catch any drips and set a metal rack on top—spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This setup allows the meatloaf to cook evenly as air flows beneath, avoiding sogginess and helping that bacon flavor truly shine through every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Vegetables
Dice the thick-cut bacon into small pieces and cook them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden. Keep the bacon fat in the pan, then add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and sweet, followed by the garlic, cooking just until fragrant. This step extracts the deep, savory flavors that will permeate the meat mixture and later bring the whole dish to life.
Step 3: Combine the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground chuck with the cooked bacon, onions, and garlic. Add the whole milk, ½ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, quick oats, beaten eggs, and black pepper. Take your time folding everything together—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, so just enough to marry the ingredients is perfect. This careful combination is where the magic happens, creating a tender yet flavorful base.
Step 4: Shape and Glaze the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture onto your prepared rack and shape it into a classic loaf about 8 inches long. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ketchup, barbecue sauce, dark brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and cider vinegar to form the glossy, tangy glaze. Brush this glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. This sticky coating will caramelize beautifully as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Done
Pop your meatloaf into the oven and bake for about 65 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the top again with more glaze to deepen the flavor and sheen. When the internal temperature reaches around 160°F, your meatloaf is ready. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing, allowing those delicious juices to redistribute and the glaze to set.
How to Serve Bacon-Infused Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to your meatloaf, brightening each rich, smoky bite. For a little extra flair, a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce on the plate makes every forkful even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes for creamy comfort, roasted seasonal vegetables for earthy balance, or even a crisp green salad to lighten things up. Cornbread or buttery dinner rolls also complement the smoky-sweet BBQ glaze perfectly, rounding out your meal with satisfying texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the meatloaf in thick slices stacked with a layer of melted cheese or inside a soft bun for a hearty meatloaf sandwich. You can also crumble leftover slices over your favorite salad or spaghetti for an inventive and tasty twist on leftovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Bacon-Infused Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze Recipe has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
This meatloaf freezes wonderfully. Wrap it well in foil and then plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep its flavors and texture for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your meatloaf slices gently in the microwave or wrapped in foil in a 325°F oven to preserve moisture and that lovely BBQ glaze. Adding a splash of broth or extra barbecue sauce helps prevent drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chuck offers great fat content for juiciness, you can swap in ground turkey or a blend of pork and beef for different flavor profiles. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed.
Is it necessary to use a rack when baking the meatloaf?
Using a rack allows the meatloaf to cook evenly and prevents it from sitting in excess fat or juices. It’s not mandatory but highly recommended for that perfect texture and to enhance the bacon-infused flavor throughout.
Can I make the BBQ glaze spicier?
Definitely! Increase the crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for more heat. The combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy is very flexible and can be customized to your preference.
What can I use instead of quick oats as a binder?
If you prefer, you can substitute breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even cooked rice. These alternatives will still help hold the meatloaf together while adding their own unique textures.
How do I ensure the bacon flavor infuses well into the meatloaf?
Cooking the bacon first and stirring the rendered fat along with the bacon pieces directly into the meat mixture lets that smoky richness permeate the loaf. The bacon fat is key to infusing every bite with that irresistible smoky depth.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Infused Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze Recipe is a guaranteed way to bring smiles and delicious aromas to your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate, combining familiar comfort with exciting layers of flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every smoky, sweet, savory bite with your loved ones.
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Bacon-Infused Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Infused Meatloaf is a savory, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of ground chuck and thick-cut bacon with a sweet and tangy glaze made of ketchup, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar. Enhanced with aromatic onion and garlic, quick oats add texture while keeping the meatloaf moist and tender. Perfectly baked to tender perfection, this meatloaf serves 8 to 8 people and is a family favorite for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (Blue’s Hog Original, if possible)
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Meatloaf
- 2½ pounds ground chuck
- 12 ounces thick-cut bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup quick oats
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Rack: Heat the oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the middle. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Lightly spray a metal rack with non-stick cooking spray and place it over the baking sheet to allow airflow under the meatloaf.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the 12 ounces of thick-cut bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve some bacon fat for sautéing onions and garlic.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, sauté the diced yellow onion until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chuck, cooked bacon (crumbled), sautéed onion and garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, quick oats, beaten eggs, and ground black pepper. Mix gently until well incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Form Meatloaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf about 8×4 inches and place it on the prepared metal rack on the baking sheet.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup ketchup, ½ cup barbecue sauce, dark brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and cider vinegar until smooth.
- Glaze and Bake: Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for about 65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Halfway through baking, baste the meatloaf with more glaze for extra flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, making for a moist and flavorful slice.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chuck with a mix of ground beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
- Use quick oats to bind the meatloaf without making it dense; avoid regular oats as they can affect texture.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and prevent drying out.
- Leftover meatloaf slices are excellent for sandwiches or reheated for quick meals.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
