Delicious Apple Bacon Meatloaf Recipe for a Cozy Dinner.
Are you tired of eating the same old meatloaf recipe? Do you want to add a new twist to your usual dinner routine? Well, I have just the recipe for you. Introducing the delectable and mouth-watering Apple Bacon Meatloaf.
This meatloaf is not like any other ordinary meatloaf, it is packed with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of ground beef, ground turkey, and pork mixed with breadcrumbs, onions, apples, and bacon creates a unique blend that is both savory and sweet.
But what makes this recipe stand out from other meatloaf recipes is the secret ingredient – the apple bacon wrap. The juicy strips of bacon wrapped around the loaf adds an irresistible smoky flavor that works perfectly with the sweetness of the apples.
Trust me when I say this is a game-changer in the world of meatloaf recipes. This Apple Bacon Meatloaf recipe is a must-try for anyone who wants to add a bit of excitement to their daily meal plans. So why not give it a shot? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fellow meat-lovers, listen up! If you’re in the market for a new, delicious and unique way to enjoy your favorite ground meats, let me tell you about the mouthwatering wonder that is the apple bacon meatloaf. This recipe is pure magic, blending the savory flavors of lean ground beef or turkey with the sweetness of juicy apples and smoky hints of crispy bacon. Trust me when I say that once you try this meatloaf recipe, you won’t be able to go back to your basic meatloaf again.
This apple bacon meatloaf is spiced to perfection with aromatic herbs like thyme, sage, garlic powder and black pepper. The onions and apples in the ingredients list add a touch of extra sweetness and crunch to every bite. Plus, the delicious smell of this meatloaf baking in your kitchen will make your taste buds go wild with anticipation.
Making it is easy too: just mix all of your ingredients together in a large bowl (don’t forget the soy sauce!), then shape them into a loaf and cover it with strips of crispy bacon (Yes! You read that right). Once the meat is inside pastry case tightly packed in non-stick loaf pan or wrapped in bacon slices or both (can’t pass up bacon), it’s ready for baking.
Just imagine slicing open a loaf of warm apple bacon meatloaf on a cold winter night, taking in the unforgettable aroma coming from your oven while you wait impatiently to load up an extra helping. The combination of lean ground beef or turkey and apple creates a unique depth of flavor that will leave you completely satisfied.
So trust me when I say – this apple bacon meatloaf recipe will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple recipe in your rotation that you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredient List
As the saying goes, a meatloaf is only as good as its ingredients. That’s why you must use fresh and high-quality ingredients for a perfect meaty blend. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this smoked, cheesy, pork and bacon-wrapped meatloaf recipe that features a delicious mix of ground beef, ground pork, apple, onion, and bacon:
- 1 small finely chopped onion
- 1 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (1/2 pork or chicken bacon)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup dried thyme
- 3/4 cup dried sage
- 1/2 lb chopped bacon
- 2 apples (finely chopped)
For extra fancy flavors you could also check out these substitutions and variations.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to jump into making the Apple Bacon Meatloaf. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through every step of the way.
Step 1: Prep Work
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Next, select a loaf pan and lightly grease it with butter or oil to ensure that the meatloaf doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of lean ground beef and 1 pound of ground pork. Add in 1 cup of bread crumbs, 2 finely chopped onions, and 2 finely chopped apples.
Next, mix in the rest of the ingredients: 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
Lastly, add in 2 lightly beaten eggs into the bowl and mix well until thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Stuff It & Wrap It
On wax paper or parchment paper layout 12 pieces of bacon slices on top of each other until fully covering a surface big enough to put half the meat mixture on top followed by another layer for the other half.
Divide meat mixture in half and place it on top of the bacon slices. Press it down and make a small indentation in the middle so that we can stuff it with goodness.
Add in any additional toppings like stuffed with bacon or smoked chicken.
Now stuff adding pickled jalapenos or melted cheddar cheese or anything your heart desires on both layers.Leave a slight space at both ends so that you can roll up your loaf once done stuffing.Add up more toppings such as herbs or spicy sriracha sauce is desired.
Next, carefully fold up one side of the bacon over the meat until it reaches right at the center. Repeat with the other side.
Step 4: Bake In The Oven
Transfer your bacon-wrapped loaf into prepared greased loaf pan seam-side down then brush some ketchup brown sugar on top. Place it inside your oven and let it bake for approximately around an hour or until an inserted thermometer reads an internal temperature of 160°F.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Once cooked to perfection, take it out from the oven and let it rest for around 10 minutes so that all those flavors settle in nicely. Last but not least, slice your delicious meatloaf using a sharp knife , serve onto plates with some steamed veggies at sides .There you have it! Enjoy this deliciousness spiced to perfection!
Substitutions and Variations
The apple-bacon meatloaf is already a mouth-watering dish, but for those who want to try something new or cannot get certain ingredients, there are some substitutions and variations worth exploring.
For the lean ground beef and turkey mixture, you can switch the proportions up. Instead of using 2 lbs of ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground turkey, you could try using more turkey or just ground pork in place of beef. If you want to make this meatloaf paleo-friendly, you can use almond flour instead of bread crumbs as well.
For the apple-bacon part of the dish, you could try substituting different types of meat candies. Chicken bacon is a great substitute if pork bacon is not readily on hand. Alternatively, if you would like to add a slight kick to your meatloaf, smoked bacon works great.
If you’re looking for different ways to present your meatloaf as per occasion, one easy variation is to turn it into a stuffed meatloaf wrapped in bacon. Other variations with stuffing include cheese-stuffed meatloaf, where you would add cheddar or any type of cheese slices between the layers of the loaf before baking. You could also add apples and onion slices in layers between the beef mixtures and top it off with gravy for an Apple Onion Stuffed Meatloaf.
You could also add tomato paste or ketchup mixed with brown sugar for an added sweet taste as a topping on your loaf. The beauty about this recipe is that there’s room to be creative—these ideas can inspire other recipes or substitutes. Try different recipes and flavors, and soon you’ll be known for creating amazing flavor profiles from simple recipes.
Serving and Pairing
Once the savory apple bacon meatloaf has been cooked to perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it. A good serving for this delicious recipe is usually one or two hearty slices per person, accompanied by a generous spoonful of the tasty sauce that we made earlier.
When it comes to pairing, one option is to choose side dishes that complement the flavors in the meatloaf. For example, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be an excellent choice, as it would provide a fresh contrast to the rich and savory meatloaf.
Another option might be to pair the apple bacon meatloaf with roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts or potatoes. This would add another layer of flavor and texture to your meal while still being relatively easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
For those who are feeling more adventurous, you could also play around with bolder pairings such as spicy kimchi, pickled jalapeños or even a homemade salsa that’s heavy on the cilantro and lime juice. The possibilities are endless – don’t be afraid to experiment!
No matter which sides you choose to serve alongside your apple bacon meatloaf, just make sure you’ve got plenty of napkins handy. Trust me – once your family and friends get a whiff of this fragrant and flavorful dish, they won’t be able to resist diving in right away. So go ahead and get creative with your pairings – it’s all part of the fun!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As the famed old saying goes, “good things come to those who wait.” This definitely rings true for meatloaf as it is one of those dishes that tastes better the next day. Making it ahead of time is also a great way to save time and lessens the hassle on busy weeknights.
If you plan to make this delicious Apple Bacon meatloaf ahead of time, let it cool down completely first before putting it in an airtight container. The meatloaf can be refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for up to three months.
To reheat the refrigerated meatloaf, slice it into portions and microwave each piece individually for about a minute or two. Alternatively, cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you’re using a microwave to reheat the frozen meatloaf, microwave it only after thawing it completely in the refrigerator overnight.
For an even more decadent experience, I personally recommend a cheesy meatloaf sandwich! Simply heat up slices of meatloaf and place them between two pieces of bread along with some cheddar cheese. Pop the sandwiches into the oven at 350°F until the cheese is melted then add your favorite condiments.
With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can still enjoy this delightful Apple Bacon Meatloaf recipe any day of the week without having to start from scratch.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking, the smallest detail can make a big difference. Here are some tips to ensure that your Apple Bacon Meatloaf comes out perfectly every time.
Firstly, make sure to line your loaf pan with parchment paper or foil. Not only will this make removing the meatloaf easier, but it will also prevent the bacon and other ingredients from sticking to the sides of the pan.
Next, be sure to let your meatloaf cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to settle and prevents them from running out when you cut into it. In addition, you can also cover the meatloaf with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will result in a moist and tender meatloaf.
When mixing the ingredients together, try not to overwork the meat mixture. Overworking it can result in a tough and dry meatloaf. Mix the ingredients until everything is just incorporated, then stop.
One important factor in achieving a flavorful Apple Bacon Meatloaf is seasoning each layer adequately. You should season each ingredient as you add them to the mixture in the bowl – starting with salt and pepper for the lean ground beef and ground pork mixture, then adding soy sauce or dried thyme for additional flavor, followed by garlic powder and chopped onions for extra savory taste, finally diced apples make their entrance with fresh sweetness while bacon adds saltiness to perfection.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different substitutions and variations of this recipe. Try different kinds of cheese (like cheddar or smoked gouda), or even mix in some cooked quinoa or black beans for extra protein. Plus, feel free to try wrapping your meatloaf with chicken bacon or stuffing it with cheese; possibilities are endless!
With these tips in mind, go ahead and enjoy this delicious recipe! Your taste buds will thank you.
FAQ
Now that we have covered all the essential aspects of making a delicious apple bacon meatloaf, let us take a moment to address some possible questions you might encounter while preparing this fantastic recipe. In this section, we will tackle intricate issues such as substitutions and dietary restrictions, common mistakes, and ways to modify the recipe to your liking. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to create a perfect meatloaf that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
To ensure your meat turns out deliciously moist, it’s important to add moisture consistently throughout the cooking process. Don’t underestimate the power of wet seasonings like eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire and barbecue sauce. These ingredients not only enhance flavor and texture, but also help in making the meat juicy and tender. So, make sure not to skip on those wet seasonings!
Can you add apples to meatloaf?
Before we begin, it’s crucial to take note of a vital step in making our meatloaf a success. We need to ensure that we don’t end up having a soggy meatloaf, and this begins with our grated apples. Take a clean towel, wrap the grated apples in it, and make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Once done, the next step is to get a large bowl and add a mix of ground pork, onion, oregano, sage, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until the ingredients are well combined.
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
When preparing meatloaf, it’s essential to include binding agents such as eggs and breadcrumbs. Without them, chances are your meatloaf will crumble and fall apart. These ingredients are crucial in holding the meat mixture together, thus ensuring that it stays intact as it cooks. It’s a simple yet crucial step towards achieving a perfect meatloaf.
Why do some people put milk in meatloaf?
Including milk in meatloaf helps to moisten the mixture by absorbing the bread crumbs. In case you prefer not to use milk, you can consider alternatives such as low sodium beef or chicken stock, water or even non-dairy milk substitutes.
Bottom Line
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So there you have it, folks – a recipe for a mouthwatering apple bacon meatloaf that’s sure to leave you and your loved ones feeling satisfied and content. With its savory blend of ingredients, including pork, apple, and of course, bacon, this meatloaf is a delicious way to switch up your usual dinner routine.
But more than just being delicious, this recipe provides endless opportunities to personalize and experiment – try swapping out the ground beef for turkey or chicken bacon, or stuffing it with your favorite cheese for an extra burst of flavor. And with easy make-ahead and reheating tips provided in this recipe article, you can enjoy this delicious dish even on busy weeknights.
So why settle for boring old meatloaf when you can switch things up with this easy bacon-wrapped apple meatloaf recipe? Your taste buds (and stomach) will thank you!
Apple Bacon Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, lean or 1 lb ground turkey
- 8 ounces maple sausage (Farmer John)
- 2 ounces bacon, chopped
- 1 apple, peeled, cored & chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 chipotle bouillon cubes (Knorr)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Saute bacon until it starts to brown. Add onion & apple. Continue to cook until apple & onion begins to carmelize. Combine apple/onion mixture with all other ingredients in a bowl & mix well. Bake in a loaf pan or form into the classic meatloaf shape on a sheet pan & bake at 350F until brown about 45 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.