Bacon BBQ Meatloaf that is as beautiful as it is delicious. This is great for company and it’s paleo and gluten-free, too!
One of the things I love about this recipe is just how beautiful it is. By laying the slices of bacon in a criss-cross fashion, it appears to be braided around the meatloaf.
This meatloaf will win over even the most stubborn meatloaf skeptic! And I know there are lots of them out there.
To make Bacon Wrapped BBQ Meatloaf you will need:
- ground beef
- black pepper
- sea salt
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- almond flour
- eggs
- BBQ Sauce (See note below)
- Bacon (beef preferred)
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- mixing bowl
- meat thermometer
When you choose your BBQ sauce, I highly recommend my homemade version. This whips up in just a few minutes and is the perfect punch of flavor for your meatloaf. If your BBQ sauce is sugar free, this recipe would also be keto friendly.
Click Here to Get my Healthy BBQ Sauce Recipe
Meatloaf Tip:
When you are mixing your meatloaf ingredients together, only mix them just enough to combine the ingredients. Over mixing your meatloaf can cause it to become dense and tough.
Your meatloaf will not be made in a loaf pan. This recipe is prepared on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper. Simply form the meat into a loaf shape with your hands.
Next you’ll slather on the BBQ sauce. You can use a spatula or a basting brush if you like.
Creating the Bacon Braid
Next comes the dramatic touch. Layer on your bacon in a way to create a criss-cross design.
I no longer eat pork, so I like to use beef bacon for this. It usually made from brisket, so it has a nice fat layer to help keep foods juicy. (My favorite brand is Thousand Hills, I order it through Azure Standard.)
The first slice of bacon is laid on the end of the loaf at a 45 degree angle. The second is laid at a 90 degree angle from the first slice, in the opposite direction, overlapping the first.
This continues all the way down the loaf and then you simply tuck all of the ends underneath. Tadaa! “Braided” bacon.
You can also make this with turkey bacon. If you do, brush on a little melted butter or duck fat to brown the outside, as turkey bacon is very lean.
See this Bacon BBQ Meatloaf Being Made:
The meatloaf then bakes at 375 degrees for about 55 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Always use a meat thermometer when you are baking meats like this.
I highly recommend using one that has the probe on a cable. (Like this one.) This allows you to monitor the temperature without repeatedly opening your oven or repeatedly poking your food. Every poke allows juices to escape.
Slicing Your Meatloaf
I have one final tip for your meatloaf- how to slice it. Any time I do a bacon-wrapped meat – whether a meatloaf or a pork tenderloin – the challenge is slicing it without completely demolishing the bacon.
That is where an electric carving knife comes in. If you don’t have an electric carving knife, I strongly suggest you get one. They are very inexpensive and make slicing any meat a breeze. (Here is one like mine.)
It is how you get a perfectly sliced turkey, thin slices of roast, or Bacon BBQ Meatloaf slices with the bacon intact.
Did you Make this Recipe? I’d love for you to give me a 5 star rating in the recipe card below. If you share it on Instagram, please tag me! You can also post it to my Facebook Page.
