The Ultimate Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf: Air Fryer & Oven Recipe for Cheesy Comfort Food

Imagine combining the savory goodness of a classic bacon cheeseburger with the hearty, comforting embrace of a tender meatloaf. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible bacon wrapped meatloaf! I love preparing mine in the air fryer for speed and fantastic crispiness, but don’t worry, the oven delivers equally delicious results if you don’t have an air fryer. This recipe transforms ordinary meatloaf into a juicy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful family favorite that promises to satisfy everyone at the table.

What is Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf?

Bacon-wrapped meatloaf is an ingenious and delicious twist on the traditional comfort food classic. It involves encasing the entire meatloaf in strips of savory bacon before it’s cooked. My recipe takes it a step further by stuffing the center with melted cheese, creating a truly irresistible bacon cheeseburger experience in meatloaf form!

The bacon isn’t just for show; it serves multiple purposes. As it cooks, the bacon renders its fat, infusing the meatloaf with a rich, smoky flavor and keeping the meat incredibly moist. Simultaneously, the bacon strips crisp up beautifully on the outside, forming a delectable, crackly crust that provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender, seasoned meat inside. It’s a culinary hack that proves everything truly tastes better with bacon, transforming a simple meal into an extraordinary one!

It’s just further proof that Americans will put bacon on everything – because everything tastes better that way!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to a perfect bacon wrapped meatloaf. Here’s what you’ll need for this incredibly flavorful dish:

• 1 pound ground beef (90/10 or similar lean blend, ideal for balancing the fat from bacon and cheese)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (for aromatic depth)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste, essential for seasoning)
• ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste, for a subtle kick)
• ½ tsp paprika (adds a touch of color and mild flavor)
• 1 Tbsp dried minced onion (or about ¼ cup finely diced fresh onion for a more pungent flavor)
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (provides a rich, umami boost)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (acts as a crucial binder)
• ¼ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (helps with moisture and binding, adding herb notes)
• 2 Tbsp ketchup (adds tanginess and a classic meatloaf flavor)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for that irresistible gooey center)

For the Flavorful Bacon Glaze:

• 8-10 slices bacon (regular or thick-cut, enough to generously wrap the loaf)
• ⅛ cup ketchup (forms the base of the sweet and tangy glaze)
• 2 Tbsp steak sauce (like A1, adds complexity and richness)
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully)

What Kind of Bacon is Best For Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf?

For bacon wrapped meatloaf, both regular cut and thick cut bacon perform wonderfully, depending on the texture you prefer. Regular cut bacon is thinner, allowing it to crisp up beautifully and cling snugly around the meatloaf, creating a uniform, crispy exterior. It cooks relatively quickly, ensuring the bacon is rendered and crispy by the time the meatloaf is done.

Thick cut bacon, on the other hand, provides a more substantial, chewier texture once cooked. It takes a little longer to crisp, resulting in a heartier bite that some prefer. Whichever you choose, avoid very thin bacon, as it tends to cook too quickly, risking burning before the meatloaf is fully cooked, or it might become brittle and fall apart during the wrapping process. A good quality, evenly sliced bacon is always recommended for the best results.

Step By Step Instructions: Air Fryer Method

Making bacon wrapped meatloaf in the air fryer is surprisingly simple and yields a perfectly juicy interior with a beautifully crispy bacon crust. Follow these steps for an effortless and delicious meal:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients (ground beef, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, beaten eggs, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and 2 Tbsp ketchup). Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.

2. If you’re adding cheese for that irresistible gooey center, create a small well in the middle of your meat mixture. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the center, then carefully seal the meat around it as you form the mixture into a compact loaf shape. Aim for a loaf that will comfortably fit in your air fryer basket, typically about 3 inches thick, but exact dimensions aren’t critical. Alternatively, you can simply mix the cheese directly into the meat mixture if you prefer a more integrated cheesy flavor.

3. Now for the bacon! Lay 2-3 strips of bacon lengthwise over the top of the formed meatloaf (depending on its size), tucking the ends neatly underneath. Then, add 6-8 strips crosswise, overlapping the edges slightly to ensure full coverage. Again, tuck the ends of these strips securely under the loaf. This crucial step prevents the bacon from curling up and detaching from the meatloaf during cooking, ensuring a beautiful, even crisp.

4. Carefully place the bacon wrapped meatloaf into your air fryer basket. To make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking, I highly recommend lining the basket with nonstick foil or perforated parchment paper. Once in place, close the air fryer.

5. Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. This initial cooking time allows the meatloaf to cook through and the bacon to start rendering and crisping.
6. While the meatloaf is air frying, prepare your delicious glaze by mixing the ⅛ cup ketchup, 2 Tbsp steak sauce, and 1 Tbsp brown sugar together in a small bowl. Once the initial 40 minutes of cooking has passed, carefully open the air fryer and generously brush the ketchup glaze over the top of the bacon, ensuring an even coating.

7. Return the meatloaf to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the interior of the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for beef (or 165°F (74°C) if you’ve substituted poultry). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
8. Once cooked, carefully remove the meatloaf from the air fryer. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender slice every time. Then, slice into generous portions and serve with your favorite complementary sides!

Oven Baking Directions

If you prefer using a conventional oven or don’t have an air fryer, this bacon wrapped meatloaf is just as easy to prepare. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
2. After forming and wrapping your meatloaf as per steps 1-3 above, place it into a standard loaf pan or directly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. A loaf pan will help it maintain its shape, while a baking sheet will allow for crispier sides on the bacon.
3. Bake for approximately 1 hour in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). This allows the meatloaf to cook thoroughly and the bacon to begin rendering its fat.
4. After an hour, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Generously brush the prepared ketchup glaze over the bacon. Return to the oven and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) for beef (or 165°F (74°C) if using chicken or turkey). If the bacon hasn’t achieved your desired level of crispiness by the end, you can briefly broil it for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pairing Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

A delicious meatloaf deserves equally delightful side dishes. Here are some perfect pairings to turn your bacon wrapped meatloaf into a truly memorable meal:

Classic Comfort Sides

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A timeless pairing! Their smooth, buttery texture provides a perfect canvas to soak up all the rich, savory juices from the meatloaf, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
• Roasted Green Beans or Brussels Sprouts – Lightly seasoned and roasted, these vegetables offer a wonderful contrast to the richness of the meatloaf. I often use the leftover bacon from the package to make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, creating a cohesive and perfectly complementary side!
• Macaroni and Cheese – For a truly indulgent, full-on comfort food experience, a cheesy baked macaroni and cheese is always a guaranteed hit that the whole family will adore.

Lighter Options

• Garlic Roasted Cauliflower – A fantastic low-carb alternative, garlic roasted cauliflower adds a flavorful, slightly nutty crunch that provides excellent texture and depth without overwhelming the main dish.
• Simple Garden Salad – A crisp, fresh garden salad with a bright, tangy vinaigrette is ideal for cutting through the richness of the bacon and beef, offering a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli – Lightly steamed and seasoned with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a drizzle of olive oil, these vibrant greens provide a refreshing and healthy contrast.

Bread and Extras

• Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits or Crusty Bread – Absolutely perfect for soaking up any delicious sauces or gravy, ensuring no drop of flavor goes to waste.
• Pickles or Pickled Onions – The sharp, tangy acidity of pickles or pickled onions provides a zesty counterpoint to the savory meatloaf, helping to cleanse the palate and enhance the overall eating experience.

Sauces and Condiments

• Smoky BBQ Sauce – A rich, smoky barbecue sauce beautifully complements the bacon, adding another layer of complex flavor. For an extra special touch, try my Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce!
• Horseradish Cream or Dijon Mustard – For those who enjoy a little kick, a dollop of horseradish cream or a smear of spicy Dijon mustard can elevate the flavors and add a pleasant zest.