Why We Love This Recipe. 

Beef, bacon, and BBQ. It does not get much better than that. This recipe pays homage to the deep tradition of Kansas City BBQ flavors while staying true to a classic staple of American cooking. The meatloaf comes together in about 10 minutes and cooks in the oven with very little cleanup afterward.   Ground beef is one of the most versatile and nutrient-rich proteins you can cook with. It is an excellent source of protein, zinc, and iron, making this a satisfying meal that fuels the whole family. Whoever is on the receiving end of this dish will be asking for seconds.

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 or 90/10
• 1/2 cup of your favorite Kansas City style BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup tortilla chip crumbs
• 1 tablespoon minced onion flakes (dried)
• 8 pieces bacon

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, BBQ sauce, salt, and egg.
2. Using a sturdy spoon or clean hands, mix everything together for about one minute. You are aiming for a consistent mixture, so make sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Place your choice of tortilla chips in a large plastic bag and crush into small, consistent crumbles.
4. Add the chip crumbles and onion flakes to the bowl.
5. Mix again for about one minute.
6. Place a piece of butcher paper or wax paper on your counter.
7. Lay the bacon strips out vertically in the center of the paper, side by side. The strips should touch each other but not overlap too much. You will use this as a wrap, so keep it as uniform as possible.
8. Place the meatloaf mixture in the center of the shingled bacon and form it into a uniform log down the middle of the strips. There should be an equal amount of bacon strip on either side of the meatloaf.
9. Wrap the bacon around the meatloaf by lifting the edge of the butcher paper closest to you upward and pushing it up and away toward the other side of the bacon strips.
10. Press gently on the paper and then slowly peel it away. The bacon should lightly stick to the meatloaf.
11. Lift the bacon wrapped loaf from the paper and transfer to a sheet pan or oven-safe tray. Place the side of the meatloaf with the intersecting bacon sections face down on the pan to prevent unwrapping.
12. Set your oven to 400 degrees F and cook until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, approximately 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ground beef to use for meatloaf?

An 80/20 ground beef blend works best for meatloaf because the fat content keeps the loaf moist and flavorful during cooking. A 90/10 blend also works well if you prefer a leaner option. Both are called for in this recipe.

What internal temperature should meatloaf reach?

Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to be safely cooked. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf to check doneness.

Can I use a different BBQ sauce?

Absolutely. This recipe calls for a Kansas City style BBQ sauce, which tends to be thick, sweet, and smoky. Any BBQ sauce you enjoy will work. The flavor of the sauce you choose will come through in the finished meatloaf.

Why are tortilla chips used instead of breadcrumbs?

Tortilla chip crumbs serve the same binding purpose as breadcrumbs but add a subtle savory crunch and a slight saltiness that pairs well with the BBQ flavors. Plain tortilla chips work best for this recipe.

How do I keep the bacon from unwrapping during cooking?

Place the meatloaf seam-side down on the pan so the intersecting sections of bacon are pressed against the surface. This holds everything in place as it cooks.

Is ground beef a good source of protein?

Yes. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, zinc, and iron. A single serving provides a significant portion of your daily protein needs, making it one of the most nutritious and satisfying proteins you can cook with.