Pork Meatloaf is a great way to use ground pork and this bacon-wrapped version is a flavor bomb. It’s easy to make and will please all of the pork lovers in your life. I like to make this recipe this often on the weekends so we can sit at the dinner table and enjoy a spectacular meal together. Not only is it delicious, but it looks great, too!
The meatloaf is juicy and tender inside the bacon strips and packed with flavor from the herbs and cooked veggies. It has balanced flavors and a delightful texture that makes you keep coming back for more.
If you like recipes using ground pork, you will love these juicy ground pork burgers and everyone's favorite sausage balls.
Why You’ll Love This Pork Meatloaf Recipe
- Makes great leftovers: This pork meatloaf reheats so well, even in the microwave. It makes an easy and tasty lunch the next day.
- Easy to make: The process to make this pork loaf recipe is so simple and easy to follow, even if you don’t cook often.
- Customizable recipe: Switch up the ground meat combinations as well as the binding agent or even the seasoning to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Below are all of the elements needed to prepare and wrap the pork meatloaf. I add plenty of spices, and ingredients to bind it together so it holds its structure but is still moist and juicy. I promise that the items used are easy to find or already in your kitchen!
- Ground pork and sausage: I use a combination of ground pork and ground sausage for texture and flavor. I like simple ground sausage but you may use sweet, mild, hot, or a breakfast sausage variety.
- Bacon: I like to use thick-cut bacon for this to ensure that it doesn’t overcook and evenly covers the pork loaf. Any flavor variety like applewood smoked or cherrywood smoked is great. I add some of the bacon to the meatloaf mix but feel free to use diced ham or pancetta instead, or leave it out.
- Onions, peppers, and garlic: A mixture of diced onions and bell peppers adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory, rich flavor of the meatloaf while also adding a little texture. I chose red onion because it has a little bite but you may use yellow as well. Garlic adds a pleasing aroma and sharp flavor, too.
- Eggs: This is key to bind the ingredients together. Eggs help to hold all of the ingredients together so it doesn’t fall apart during baking or slicing.
- Buttermilk: I love using buttermilk because it adds moisture to the meatloaf and keeps it perfectly tender as it cooks. You may use whole milk if you prefer.
- Mustard: You may use yellow or Dijon mustard in this recipe. I went with Dijon because it’s tangy and has a hint of spice for balance.
- Worcestershire sauce: The umami flavor of Worcestershire sauce enhances the entire dish. I don’t use much but it has a wonderful bold flavor that works great with the other ingredients.
- Spices: I chose thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. I like to keep it simple since the meatloaf gets a lot of flavor from the other ingredients.
- Breadcrumbs: I like to use Panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers as a binder. Several others work well like stuffing mix or crushed croutons. Pick your favorite!
Variations
- Spicy meatloaf: Add cayenne pepper and diced jalapenos to add heat to the meatloaf.
- Pork and beef meatloaf: Try ground beef instead of ground sausage for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Turkey and pork meatloaf: Use ground turkey instead of ground pork for a leaner meatloaf.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free friendly.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Pork Meatloaf
Here are the instructions on how to make this bacon wrapped meatloaf with ground pork and sausage. Ensure that you preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with foil. I also use a wire rack so the loaf doesn’t sit in grease as it cooks.
Step 1: Combine the egg, veggies, and spices. Add the egg, buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce, onion, peppers, garlic, and seasonings to a large mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Add the meat, crumbs, and parsley. Next, add the ground pork, sausage, chopped bacon (or pancetta), crackers or breadcrumbs, and parsley. Gently mix until the ingredients are incorporated.
Step 3: Form and wrap the meatloaf. Form the meat mixture into a long loaf shape. Lay the strips of bacon across the meatloaf and tuck the ends underneath on either side. Place strips on either side of the ends of the loaf as well to ensure it’s completely covered.
Step 4: Bake and rest. Place it on the prepared rack and pan and bake it for about 60 minutes. Allow it to rest on the rack for about 10-15 minutes before slicing it. Enjoy!
⭐ Hint: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center of the meatloaf is cooked. It should reach 160 degrees F before you pull it from the oven.
If you love easy dinner recipes like this one, you may also enjoy this Smoked Meatloaf with bacon or Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole!
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Tightly cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Individual slices may be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Reheat the entire loaf on a lined sheet pan for 15-20 minutes in a 350-degree oven.
- Make Ahead: Form and wrap the meatloaf in the bacon slices. Cover it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before baking it.
Serving Suggestions
- Top your slice of pork meatloaf with jalapeno jam for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Meatloaf and potatoes are one of my favorite combinations. Try these garlicky mashed potato cakes or some cheesy twice baked potatoes with this ground pork meatloaf.
- Simple veggie side dishes like balsamic green beans and carrots Lyonnaise are also delicious with this recipe.
Recipe Tips
- Make an even loaf: When you form the meatloaf, ensure it is even and the top is flat. If uneven, it won’t cook properly.
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf: Ensure that you don’t overwork the meatloaf mixture. It can cause it to become tough as it bakes.
- Baste it: Try brushing the outside of the meatloaf with BBQ sauce or ketchup for moisture and to help caramelize the bacon further.
Recipe FAQs
This is typically caused by overbaking it. If it stays in the oven longer than needed, it will dry out in the middle.
I don’t recommend it. Bacon and ground pork produce a lot of extra fat and the rack keeps the meatloaf elevated so it isn’t greasy.
How to Make Video
More Delicious Meatloaf Recipes
Do you like meatloaf for dinner? Here are some more variations you may also like to try!
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Bacon Wrapped Pork Meatloaf
Equipment
- rack
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- ½ pound ground sausage no casing
- 6-8 slices bacon for wrapping meatloaf, more or less to taste
- ⅓ cup onion, finely diced ½ small onion
- ⅓ cup bell pepper green, yellow, orange or red, finely diced
- 1 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon yellow or dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced, more or less to taste
- 1 tablespoon thyme more or less to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs, crackers, stuffing mix, croutons or panko, crushed I prefer using crushed, unsalted, saltine crackers (14-16)
- cooking spray
Optional Mix In
- 1 cup bacon, pancetta or ham, diced about 1 pound
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with tinfoil and a rack lightly coated in cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the eggs, buttermilk, mustard, Worcestershire, peppers, onions, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
- Add the ground pork, sausage,optional bacon, pancetta or ham, if using, crumbs, and parsley. I prefer to use my hands at this point but it is up to you. Be careful to combine but not overmix.
- Form the meat into a long cylinder or loaf.
- Lay your bacon strips on top of your meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath. You want the slices to slightly overlap and trim bacon slices to fit and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160 degrees. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Make an even loaf: When you form the meatloaf, ensure it is even and the top is flat. If uneven, it won’t cook properly.
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf: Ensure that you don’t overwork the meatloaf mixture. It can cause it to become tough as it bakes.
- Baste it: Try brushing the outside of the meatloaf with BBQ sauce or ketchup for moisture and to help caramelize the bacon further.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in August 2019. It's been updated with new content, images, and an updated recipe.
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