Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Minis – BBQ Glazed Perfection

There’s something irresistible about individual servings — and my Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Minis prove that good things really do come in small packages.

These mini meatloaves are tender, juicy, and wrapped in crispy bacon, then finished with a sticky BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prep, or hosting a casual get-together, these savory little bites deliver all the flavor of classic meatloaf in a fun, shareable form.

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Recipe Highlights

These Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Minis take a classic comfort dish and give it a modern, flavorful twist.

Each mini loaf is wrapped in bacon, creating a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet. The BBQ glaze on top caramelizes while baking, adding an irresistible sticky finish.

They’re easy to make, look impressive, and taste like pure comfort.

Highlights:

• Smoky bacon-wrapped individual meatloaves
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• Tender, juicy ground beef with flavorful seasonings
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• Sticky BBQ glaze for that perfect sweet-salty balance
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• Baked in muffin tins — no slicing needed!
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• Perfect for family dinners or easy meal prep

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef (1 pound): Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect juicy texture and flavor.
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• Bacon (12 slices): Thin-cut bacon works best — it crisps evenly as it wraps around the meatloaf cups.
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• Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Helps bind the mixture and maintain moisture.
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• Egg (1 large): Essential for binding ingredients together.
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• Onion (½ medium, finely diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
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• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory base flavor.
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• Milk (¼ cup): Keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
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• BBQ Sauce (½ cup total): Half is added to the mixture, and the other half is brushed on top for a sticky glaze.
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• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami depth and rich, savory flavor.
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• Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
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• Parsley (1 tablespoon chopped): Adds color and freshness.

How to Make My Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Minis
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1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with foil liners for easier cleanup.
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2. Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, half of the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until combined — don’t overmix.
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3. Form and Wrap: Divide the mixture into 12 portions. Line each muffin cup with a slice of bacon, pressing it around the sides. Add a scoop of the meat mixture into each cup, pressing gently to fill.
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4. Bake and Glaze: Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, brush tops with remaining BBQ sauce, and bake an additional 10–12 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the glaze is bubbling.
   
5. Rest and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Preparation Made Easy

Preparing these meatloaf minis is a straightforward process that takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

This ensures that the bacon crisps up nicely while the meatloaf cooks through.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and the other ingredients: ¼ cup milk, ½ cup BBQ sauce (divided), 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.

Mixing these creates a flavorful base for your meatloaf.

Shaping and Wrapping

Once your meat mixture is ready, divide it into 8 equal portions and shape each into a small loaf. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking and a delightful presentation.

Next, take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each meatloaf mini, securing the ends underneath. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful, crispy exterior as they bake.

Baking to Perfection

Arrange the wrapped meatloaf minis in a baking dish, making sure they are spaced out for even cooking.

Brush the tops with the remaining BBQ sauce for an added layer of flavor.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The goal is to achieve a perfectly crispy bacon layer while ensuring the meatloaf is cooked through.

The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is simply irresistible.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, allow the meatloaf minis to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with one tablespoon of chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

These Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Minis pair perfectly with:

• A fresh side salad with ranch dressing
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• Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
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• Roasted green beans or asparagus
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• Cornbread muffins or cheesy garlic bread

Presenting these bacon-wrapped meatloaf minis on a rustic wooden table enhances the home-cooked feel of the dish, making them a perfect centerpiece for any meal.

Their inviting appearance and delicious flavor will surely make them a hit among family and friends.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these meatloaf minis contains approximately 260 calories, with 25g of fat and 25g of protein.

This makes them a satisfying option for a main dish, providing a hearty meal without excessive carbohydrates, as they contain only 10g per serving.

With their rich flavors and appealing presentation, bacon-wrapped meatloaf minis are a fantastic addition to any recipe collection.

Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these little bites are sure to delight everyone at the table.

Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Minis

Choose thinner bacon slices for even crisping. If your bacon is thick-cut, pre-cook it halfway before wrapping. Don’t overmix your meat mixture — it can make the texture dense.

For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika or a hickory-style BBQ sauce. Let the minis rest before serving to lock in juices and prevent breakage.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

To freeze, wrap each mini individually in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.