The Best Easy Meatloaf Recipe W/ Bacon & Barbecue! -

Meatloaf is just one of those classic dinner dishes that everyone loves, but everyone has a different recipe, for. Some meatloaves are stuffed with cheese, while others involve bacon. Other recipes call for tomato paste, chicken stock, or onion soup mix. Some even have carrots or some other vegetable mixed in. There are a myriad of ways to cook a really good meatloaf, but this recipe will always have my loyalty.

My recipe originated from my mother, as with most recipes out there. I use the basic ingredients she uses, but with a couple of small details added. It comes out moist every time and never fails to warm the soul. Over the years, it has become a go-to meal often enough. It is easy to make, even on hectic weeknights.

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“..the gravy on top..”

Not that the meatloaf needs it, but I do tend to go a step further by making gravy from the pan drippings. (I call it pan “juice” – drives my husband crazy). In any event, I have a gravy addiction, so it is always a nice bonus to any meal, for me. The gravy that I made the other night, came out even better than usual. I left out one ingredient (ketchup) that usually gets put in, and it made a whole world of difference! Absolutely delicious!

The ingredients for this yummy meatloaf, are listed just below, along with the tools you will need. After that, you will find step by step directions, with detailed photos for additional reference.

It does take a little longer from start to finish, but most of that time is hands off oven time. The prep is minimal and the clean up takes practically no effort.

The next time you’re in the mood for meatloaf, take a small risk and step away from your trusty go-to recipe. Try this spin on meatloaf and you just may find yourself stashing this recipe away for future reference!

Our Favorite Casserole Dishes For Any Size Meatloaf

Rachel Ray 3 PC Casserole Dish Set

Multi-Size Ceramic Casserole Dish Set

Tools You Will Need…

Ingredients (Meatloaf)

1.5 lb Ground Beef
1 Egg
1/4 Yellow Onion (finely chopped)
1/4 Green Bell Pepper (finely chopped)
1/2 Cup Barbecue Sauce

(Note: I prefer Sweet Baby Ray’s but you can use any brand you’d like)

1/2 Cup Italian Flavored Bread Crumbs
2 Tsp Kosher Salt
1 Tsp Black Pepper
1 Tsp Garlic Powder
1 1/2 Tsp Montreal Steak Seasoning
3 Slices Uncooked Bacon

Ingredients (Gravy)

Natural Pan Drippings
1 Cup Water
2 1/2 Tbsp. All Purpose Flour
1 Tsp Butter

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 1 Hr. 20 Min

Rest Time: 10 Min

Total Time: 1 Hr. 45 Min

Step By Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees.

2. Dice the onion and green pepper.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, green pepper, and onion.

4. Reserve 1/4 cup of the breadcrumbs and set aside.

Add the remaining dry ingredients to the bowl. Top With Barbecue Sauce.

5.Thoroughly mix all of the ingredients in the mixing bowl until combined completely.

6.Transfer beef mixture to a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish. Form mixture into an oblong shape with a shallow dip in the center.

7. Liberally coat all sides of the meatloaf with ketchup, extra ketchup to fill in the center crevece.

8. Cut 3 pieces of uncooked bacon, in half. Layer each strip across the width of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping one another.

9. Cook in the oven for 1 Hr. 20 minutes.

10. Remove From Oven.

(The Internal temperature of the center should read between 150 and 155 degrees. Remember, the meatloaf will continue cooking while it rests.)

11. With 2 large spatulas, remove the meatloaf from the dish and place on top of your cutting board to Rest.

The Gravy

1. Go back to the casserole dish with the drippings. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of hot water, scraping along the sides of the dish to full incorporate the drippings.

2. Then, add the 2 1/2 Tbsp. of flour and whisk until the flour dissolves.

(You may have to put the dish back into the oven for a few minutes to allow the flour to fully dissolve.)