Maple Bacon Glazed Meatloaf
Description
This Maple Bacon Glazed Meatloaf is the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and sweet. Juicy seasoned ground beef is baked until tender, then coated with a sticky maple-bacon glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Crispy bacon adds even more flavor, making this a comforting family dinner everyone will love.
🥩 Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
2 lbs ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
6 slices bacon, cooked and finely chopped
For the Maple Bacon Glaze
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with foil and lightly grease it.
Prepare the meat mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the bacon:
Fold the chopped cooked bacon into the mixture. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Shape the meatloaf:
Form the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the glaze:
Whisk together ketchup, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
First glaze:
Spread about half of the maple glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake:
Bake for 45–55 minutes.
Add more glaze:
Remove the meatloaf and brush generously with the remaining glaze. Sprinkle the crispy crumbled bacon over the top.
Finish baking:
Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the glaze is sticky and caramelized and the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and serve:
Let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the slices.
💡 Tips
Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
Don’t overmix the beef mixture, or the meatloaf may become dense.
For extra crispy bacon, cook it separately before adding it to the meatloaf and glaze.
Add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze if you enjoy a sweet-and-spicy flavor.
Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps keep it juicy and intact.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes
Green beans
Buttered corn
Roasted broccoli
Fresh garden salad
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well, although the texture will be leaner. Avoid overcooking it.
Q: Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze maple bacon meatloaf?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: How do I know when it is done?
The center should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef meatloaf.
Q: Can I make the glaze less sweet?
Absolutely. Reduce the maple syrup or brown sugar and add a little extra Dijon mustard for a more savory glaze.