BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Recipe View Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x11-inch baking dish. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until edges are just starting to crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. (10 minutes)

Recipe View In a large bowl, gently combine the cooled onion and garlic mixture, ground beef, 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, oregano, and chili powder. Mix with your hands until just combined – be careful not to overmix. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Shape the beef mixture into a loaf. Place in the prepared baking dish. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Wrap the partially cooked bacon slices around the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath to secure. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and brush the bacon-wrapped meatloaf with the remaining 3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce. (35 minutes)

Recipe View Continue baking until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), about 10 more minutes. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf. (10 minutes)