Imagine cutting into a perfectly baked meatloaf, where crispy bacon strips crown a juicy, flavor-packed centerpiece that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. This isn't just any meatloaf - it's a masterpiece that combines tender ground beef, savory seasonings, and a decadent bacon topping that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your home cooking game with this irresistible American classic that's guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 8 strips of bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, gently pressing it down to create an even surface.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf, creating a thin, consistent layer.
- Carefully arrange bacon strips lengthwise across the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping each strip to ensure complete coverage.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- During the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, the bacon should become crisp and golden brown. If it's browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Slice into 1-inch thick portions and serve hot, accompanied by your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a fat content around 80/20 for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture - this can make your meatloaf tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Let the meatloaf rest after cooking to help it retain its juices and make slicing easier.
- For extra flavor, try adding grated cheese or finely chopped herbs to your meat mixture.
- If bacon is browning too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Serve with complementary sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 110mg
