Meatloaf. People either love it, or hate it. Am I right?!! I think when people think of meatloaf they think of it being super dry. Because honestly, all meatloaf is, is a gigantic meatball. I mean think about it…..the ingredients are almost similar, yet you never see people complaining about meatballs. Meatloaf on the other hand; it always gets the raw end of the deal. But this BACON WRAPPED MEATLOAF is a game changer. I pinky promise.
But fear not meatloaf haters, this recipe will change your ways. The only thing I wish is that meatloaf would photograph prettier. I’m not gonna lie, I googled “how to photograph meatloaf” because pictures are everything!! You just need to trust me and make this yourself. Another plus, your kids will love it and it’s even got veggies hidden in it. They will never know. I’m pretty sure it’s because of the bacon.
When I was younger my grandpa used to make his meatloaf with bacon. What a genius right! Making bacon cool before it was cool! I’m pretty sure he put some other delicious things in it as well (like bread crumbs). Every time I make this I think of him and this meal screams comfort to me because of that.
Perhaps that’s why I like meatloaf so much. Because it reminds me of my Grandpa. No, no, I love meatloaf because it is so good and it makes my belly so happy when I consume it! (I really do think of him everytime I make it though). Do you guys have recipes like that?
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs ground beef
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 c dried minced onion
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 c tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled plus additional pieces (raw) for the top
- ketchup or bbq sauce, to brush over loaf (I love Tessemaes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- While oven is preheating, cook up a few strips of bacon (I cut with cooking scissors first), then place into a large bowl.
- In the same pan cook up your carrots for a few min just to get them a little soft
- Add the meat, balsamic vinegar, seasonings, carrots, and eggs to the bowl with the bacon in it. Mix well with your hands.
- Next take a loaf pan and add meat to the top. You can also form a loaf on a baking sheet with a wire rack.
- Brush ketchup or bbq sauce over loaf then place in oven for 25 minutes
- After 25 minutes, remove and place strips of bacon over top. Put back into oven and cook another 15 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a little more bbq sauce or ketchup
Notes
The loaf pan will have fat in it when it's done. Remove by squeezing it out with a baster.
Are you guys meatloaf fans or have you not had it in forever because it was always so dry?
Whole30: yes
Paleo: yes
I used to make mine for the kids by taking bell peppers, onions, carrots – you name it; and blitz it with an egg and ketchup; I’d adds little stale bread crumbed, and they never knew. It’s a great way to get rid of slightly wilted veg too…
Yes, its such fridge dump into the meatloaf!! And they LOVE it!