BBQ Bacon Meatloaf

Sharing is caring!

My BBQ Bacon Meatloaf is a family favorite recipe. This easy meatloaf can be prepared in minutes, then I smother it in smoky BBQ sauce, before finishing it with some slices of bacon for an extra layer of flavor, delicious!

BBQ Bacon Meatloaf

I’ve taken a traditional American meatloaf and given it a smoky BBQ twist. The meatloaf is flavored with BBQ seasoning, then topped with BBQ sauce, for a BBQ Meatloaf that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Meatloaf is really easy to prepare, and I’ve added some cheddar cheese to the ground beef mixture, along with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, for extra savory flavor.

Meatloaf is a great make ahead dish and I’ll often bake two at the same time; one to enjoy now and one to freeze for a quick and easy dinner another day.

While the meatloaf is baking in the oven, I highly recommend preparing this delicious smoked asparagus recipe as a side, if you have a smoker or Traeger grill. It takes about the same amount of time to prepare, and is simple to make with a buttery, lemon flavour. 

We’ve also enjoyed this delicious Din Tai Fung Green Beans as a side. These crispy green beans come together in an umami-packed garlic and soy stir fry, making the perfect Asian side dish. Even though the meatloaf isn’t an Asian recipe, my boys request them because they really like them. 

Quick and tasty dinners like this are a stable of my mid week dinner menus. I should mention that leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator and makes the best sandwiches the next day.

How to make BBQ Bacon Meatloaf

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil.
• Stir together the ground beef, milk, egg, breadcrumbs, BBQ seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese until well combined.

• Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the baking sheet.

• Brush the top of the meatloaf with half the BBQ sauce.
• Arrange the strips of bacon on top of the BBQ sauce.

• Place the meatloaf in the oven to bake for 45 minutes, then remove the pan and brush the top with remaining sauce.

• Return the pan to the oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes.

BBQ Bacon Meatloaf recipe ingredients

• MEAT: I use ground beef for this recipe.
• MILK: use any variety of regular.
• EGG: I add a beaten egg to the meatloaf to help the mixture bind together.
• BREADCRUMBS: for ease I use dried breadcrumbs, but you can use fresh breadcrumbs if you don’t have dried.
• WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE: Worcestershire sauce adds great savory flavor to the meatloaf mixture.
• SEASONING: for extra smoky flavor, I season the meatloaf with a tablespoon of BBQ seasoning.
• CHEESE: I add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture.
• BBQ SAUCE: use your favorite BBQ sauce to top the meatloaf.
• BACON: 4 strips of bacon are wrapped over the top of the meatloaf to add an extra layer of flavor.

Flavor variations

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, or ground lamb.
• I’ve added to the smoky flavor with some BBQ seasoning in the meatloaf, but you can add any other spices that you enjoy.
• For a little extra chili heat, stir some ground chili or red pepper flakes into the meatloaf mixture.
• You can add freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or cilantro to the meatloaf mixture.
• For a gluten free meatloaf, use gluten free breadcrumbs and ensure the BBQ seasoning and sauce are gluten free too.
• Make a dairy free meat loaf by substituting the regular milk for a suitable dairy-free alternative (oat or almond milk would be ideal), and swap the cheese for a dairy free cheese.

Serving suggestion

There is so much flavor in the meatloaf, so I keep my sides simple, and usually serve it with a potato side and one or two vegetable sides.

When it comes to potatoes I love mash, try my Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. Or for something a little different try my Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Bacon.

A great alternative would be my Sheet Pan Garlic Potatoes & Green Beans as everything is cooked in on pan. Or as the oven is on anyway, try my Oven Roasted Garlic Asparagus or Sheet Pan Roasted Broccoli.

*IF* you have leftovers, one of our favorite things to do is to use a slice of the meatloaf to make a sandwich for lunch the next day. I suggest using these sourdough ciabatta rolls. You can’t go wrong with sourdough and these buns are perfect portions to enjoy in many ways. The recipe is pretty simple, just make sure to take into account the refrigeration and fermentation time. You will thank yourself later for giving this combo a try – it’s so good!!!

Recipe hints and tips

• Always line the baking sheet with kitchen foil, otherwise you risk the meatloaf sticking to the sheet.
• When it comes to shaping the meatloaf, wet your hands in water to stop them mixture from sticking to your hands.
• Don’t overwork the meatloaf mixture or it will become tough, just handle enough to bring it into shape.
• Don’t be tempted to load in too many extra vegetables to the meatloaf mixture, as this can cause the meatloaf to break apart.
• This recipe is easily doubled, or tripled if you are feeding a crowd. Although it’s often easier to shape and cook 2 separate meatloaf’s with the doubled up ingredients.

FAQs

Don’t miss these delicious ground beef recipes from When Is Dinner:

• Easy Meatloaf
• Sunday Spaghetti Sauce
• Beef and Bean Burritos
• Taco Pasta Bake
• Cheeseburger Pie
• Baked Penne Rigate
• Slow Cooker Homemade Chili