1-First Step: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil. For a juicy filling with a great savory glaze, this setup makes cleanup easy and keeps the meatloaf from sticking. If you’re adapting for dietary preferences, like using gluten-free options, double-check your materials now.

2-Second Step: Sauté the Onion and Garlic Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a medium nonstick pan over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Add the chopped medium onion and sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until it’s translucent, then toss in the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 2 more minutes. This step softens their flavors, reducing any sharpness for a better bacon wrapped meatloaf, unless you’re opting for low-calorie swaps like less oil.

3-Third Step: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients Let the onion and garlic mixture cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, combine the 2 1/2 pounds of meatloaf mix (or ground beef), 2 lightly beaten eggs, 2/3 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley, 1 cup panko bread crumbs, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add the cooled mixture and gently mix with your hands for even combining this keeps the texture light. For variations, consider dietary needs like vegan substitutes here to maintain that juicy filling.

4-Fourth Step: Shape and Glaze the Meatloaf Form the mixture into a rectangular loaf on your prepared baking sheet, aiming for an even shape. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon brown sugar to create the savory glaze, then brush it over the top. This adds a sweet-tangy layer that pairs perfectly with the bacon. If you’re making adjustments for seniors or diet-conscious folks, ensure the glaze isn’t too heavy.

5-Fifth Step: Wrap with Bacon Lay the 12 strips of bacon over the meatloaf, starting from one short end to the other, with slight overlaps to cover the top, sides, and ends completely. This wrapping helps seal in the juices for that signature bacon wrapped meatloaf, adding extra flavor and crispiness. It’s a simple touch that makes the dish versatile for different preferences, like using turkey bacon for a lighter version.

6-Sixth Step: Bake and Rest Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, rotating the pan once or twice for even cooking. Keep an eye on it to ensure the bacon gets crispy while the inside stays juicy. Once done, remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing this allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. For busy parents, this resting time is perfect for setting the table, and you can explore similar twists like chicken cordon bleu meatloaf for more ideas.