Have you ever craved a dish that combines comfort food with a touch of indulgence? Picture this: tender mini meatloafs enveloped in crispy bacon, the aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake to perfection. The delightful contrast of savory flavors and textures creates an unforgettable experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf
Flavor Explosion: Wrapped in crispy bacon, these mini meatloafs deliver a flavor explosion with every bite. The smoky richness of the bacon perfectly complements the savory ground beef and seasonings inside, creating a mouthwatering combination everyone will love.
Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe is simple enough for novice cooks and quick enough for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious treats in no time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for optimal flavor without excessive grease.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs work well to bind the mixture.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together while keeping the meat moist.
- Ketchup: A classic ingredient that adds moisture and sweetness to the meatloaf.
- Onion: Chopped onion enhances flavor; use yellow or white onions according to preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Shape the Meatloafs: Divide the mixture into equal portions (about half a cup each) and shape them into small loaves. Place each loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
Wrap with Bacon: Take strips of bacon and wrap each mini meatloaf securely. Tuck in any loose ends to ensure they stay wrapped during cooking.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
Serve Hot: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Transfer to plates and serve alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ground beef and fresh ingredients can significantly enhance flavor; don’t skimp on quality.
Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add herbs or spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning to personalize your mini meatloafs’ flavor profile.
Crispier Bacon Option: For extra crispy bacon, consider pre-cooking it slightly before wrapping it around your mini loaves; this helps achieve perfect texture when baked.
Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your mini meatloafs reach at least 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption while keeping them juicy.
Leftover Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat gently before serving again.
Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment to this dish. Toast slices of your favorite bread with butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown. This crunchy side not only adds flavor but also provides a wonderful texture contrast.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf?
To prepare Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf, you will need ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, and bacon strips.
How long does it take to cook Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf?
Cooking Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf typically takes around 30-35 minutes at 375°F. It’s essential to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
Can I freeze Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf either before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap each mini loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
What are some variations for Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf?
You can customize Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf by adding different spices or sauces according to your taste preferences. Consider incorporating barbecue sauce or Worcestershire sauce into the mixture for added flavor.
Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delectable taste of Individual Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf. This recipe fuses the classic comfort of meatloaf with a crispy bacon exterior, elevating your dining experience to new heights. Each mini loaf is crafted from juicy ground beef mixed with savory seasonings, then enveloped in thick-cut bacon that crisps wonderfully during baking. Perfectly portioned for individual servings, these mini meatloafs are ideal for family dinners or meal prep for busy weeknights. With straightforward preparation steps and irresistible flavors, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or seasonal vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 4 equal mini loaves and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Wrap each loaf with 2 strips of bacon, tucking in any loose ends.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and bacon is crispy.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
