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Savory Whiskey Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

whiskey glazed bacon wrapped meatloaf - featured image

A hearty and flavorful meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a sweet and smoky whiskey sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 810 thick-cut bacon strips
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned; use almond flour or gluten-free panko for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup milk (120 ml; dairy-free milk can be used)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Whiskey Glaze:
  • ¼ cup whiskey (60 ml; bourbon or rye recommended)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (70 g)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup ketchup (60 ml)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together whiskey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or form a loaf shape on a lined baking sheet. Press gently to compact without packing too tightly.
  5. Lay bacon strips over the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping and covering the entire surface. Tuck ends underneath if possible.
  6. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and brush the whiskey glaze generously over the bacon.
  8. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf. Use thick-cut bacon to prevent burning and sogginess. Brush the glaze halfway through baking to allow caramelization without burning. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for juicier slices. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Vegetarian options include plant-based meat substitutes and vegan bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, bacon wrapped, whiskey glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, savory, glazed meatloaf