Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf

These Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloafs are irresistible for several reasons. First, they transform a traditional meatloaf into something special. The blend of flavors is comforting, yet exciting. Each mini loaf is wrapped in savory bacon, giving it a crispy edge that contrasts beautifully with the juicy center. Secondly, their small size means they’re perfect not just for dinner but also for parties or packed lunches. Everyone will love the way they look and taste.

Moreover, the glaze adds a sweet-tangy touch that elevates this dish. Simply put, every mouthful offers a mix of comfort and joy. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively gathering, they fit any occasion just perfectly.

What is a Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf

A Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf is essentially a smaller version of the traditional meatloaf, but with an amazing twist. Each mini meatloaf is encased in succulent bacon, creating a gourmet experience you can enjoy at home. Picture it topped with a rich ketchup glaze and crispy fried onions, which give texture and flavor to every bite. You can even customize the recipe to include your favorite seasonings or swap in different ingredients to match your taste preferences.

In essence, this dish blends simple, hearty fare with a hint of sophistication. It’s an easy way to impress guests or treat your family to something extraordinary without the fuss.

Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf

Gather these ingredients to create your own mouthwatering mini meatloafs:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 1/2 cup fried onion pieces

These staples make for an unforgettable meal full of flavor.

Preparing Your Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf

Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven or grill to 350°F. While it warms up, take a baking sheet and line it with foil to make cleanup a breeze. This ensures that your kitchen stays tidy, giving you more time to relax.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a sauté pan heated over medium, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the diced onion. Cook it until it’s fragrant and lightly browned, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent burning! Then, lower the heat and add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. When it’s ready, remove the mixture from heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

Combine the Meat Mixture

Grab a large bowl and combine the seasoned ground beef, large egg, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and that delectable onion-garlic mix you sautéed. Now, get your hands in there! Mix everything together until just combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat; we want it tender and juicy after baking.

Shape the Mini Meatloaves

Next, divide that tasty mixture into six equal portions. Shape each portion into thick patties to form your mini meatloaves. Now, take a slice of bacon and wrap it around the edge of each patty, ensuring the ends meet or overlap slightly. For security’s sake, feel free to use a toothpick to hold everything in place.

Prepare the Topping

While the meatloaves look fabulous, a good topping adds flavor! In a separate bowl, blend the ketchup, spicy brown mustard, and brown sugar. Once mixed, spread it evenly over the tops of each wrapped mini meatloaf, then sprinkle the fried onion pieces on top for that extra crunch.

Bake the Mini Meatloaves

Finally, arrange the prepared mini meatloaves on your lined baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven (or grill). They’ll take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook, but keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is golden and the internal temperature reaches 160°F, giving you peace of mind that they’re safe to eat.

Serving Suggestions

Once your mini meatloaves are out of the oven, serve them with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Alternatively, you might pair them with a fresh garden salad to balance out the rich flavors beautifully.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making sliders with mini buns, transforming them into fun appetizers for your next gathering. Guests will be impressed by this creative twist!

Tips for Success

To ensure the bacon stays nice and secure around the meatloaf, make sure that it overlaps slightly at the edges. This way, there won’t be gaps during baking.

If you want a healthier alternative, using lean ground beef doesn’t compromise taste but helps with the overall calorie count.

Also, consider tweaking the topping ingredients based on your spice preferences. A dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick if you’re feeling bold!

Variations

Mix things up by substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Another delightful twist involves adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra nutrition and texture in the meat mixture.

You can also experiment with different sauces, like a barbecue glaze or hot sauce, to change things up and keep your taste buds excited.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your mini meatloafs, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven. This helps maintain that crispy bacon texture you love!

Pairing Ideas

Looking to elevate your meal further? Serve alongside some homemade cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal. A light white wine or refreshing iced tea pairs perfectly, too, making for a delightful dining experience.

For a hearty addition, roasted sweet potatoes complement the flavors wonderfully, creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf?
Yes, freezing them is a great option! Just wrap them tightly before baking and store for up to 2 months.

2. How do I know when the mini meatloaf is done?
A meat thermometer will be your best friend for this task; the internal temperature should read 160°F.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to replace the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives.

4. How long does it take to cook mini meatloaf?
Typically, they take about 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350°F, but keep in mind that cooking times can vary slightly with different ovens.

5. What can I serve with mini meatloaf?
You can enjoy them with classic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or even transform them into sliders with your favorite toppings!

These Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloafs provide more than just a meal; they transform dinner into a delightful occasion. Simple yet satisfying, they impress both family and friends alike, thanks to that crispy bacon and mouthwatering meatloaf combination. With easily accessible ingredients, this dish is sure to please whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a spirited weekend gathering. So why not share this recipe with loved ones and enjoy the comfort these mini meatloafs bring to your table?

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Homemade Cheesy Potatoes
• Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
• 3-Ingredient Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash
• Pico De Gallo

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Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf

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Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf offers a delightful mix of juicy ground beef and crispy bacon, topped with a sweet glaze. Ideal for cozy dinners or parties!

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 1/2 cup fried onion pieces

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with foil.
• Sauté diced onion in butter until fragrant, then add minced garlic.
• In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and onion-garlic mixture.
• Shape into six mini meatloaves and wrap each with a slice of bacon.
• Mix ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar; spread on meatloaves and top with fried onions.
• Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Notes

Ensure bacon overlaps slightly to secure around the meatloaf during baking.
Using lean ground beef is a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Adjust topping ingredients for personal spice preferences.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 80mg