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Bacon infused meatloaf with sweet and smoky glaze sliced on a baking pan
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Bacon-Infused Meatloaf with Sweet & Smoky Glaze

This bacon-infused meatloaf is rich, savory, and packed with flavor from sautéed vegetables and crispy bacon. The sweet and smoky glaze is gently warmed on the stovetop before baking, creating a smooth, glossy finish that beautifully coats the meatloaf.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon infused meatloaf, bacon meatloaf, classic comfort food, glazed meatloaf,, homemade meatloaf recipe, meatloaf recipe, sweet and smoky meatloaf
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 447kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
  • 1 cup onion finely minced
  • 1/2 cup celery minced
  • 1/2 cup carrot minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 3 tablespoons glaze from below
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Cook Bacon

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat.

Sauté Vegetables

  • Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic to the skillet. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Let cool slightly.

Prepare the Glaze (Warm for Best Texture)

  • In a small saucepan over low heat, combine all glaze ingredients.
  • Whisk for 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly thinned. Do not simmer or boil.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Reserve 3 tablespoons for the meat mixture and set the rest aside for topping.

Mix Meatloaf

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bacon, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and reserved glaze.
  • Mix gently until just combined.

Shape Loaf

  • Transfer mixture to prepared baking sheet and shape into an 8–9 inch loaf.

Bake

  • Bake for 45–50 minutes.

Add Glaze

  • Remove from oven and spread remaining warm glaze evenly over the top and sides.

Finish Baking

  • Return to oven and bake 10–15 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Rest & Serve

  • Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Why warm the glaze? Gently heating the glaze helps loosen the tomato paste and dissolve the sweeteners, creating a smoother consistency that spreads easily and forms a glossy, lacquered finish on the meatloaf.
  • Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the texture tender.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest helps retain juices for cleaner slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 933mg | Potassium: 747mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2140IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 4mg