The Ultimate Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf Recipe Everyone Loves

Bacon-wrapped zucchini meatloaf reimagines an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.

Family favorites rarely come with such a delectable promise of satisfaction.

Savory ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend that elevates this classic comfort dish.

Vegetables sneak deliciously into each hearty slice, ensuring maximum flavor and nutrition.

Crispy bacon provides a luxurious exterior that seals in moisture and tantalizes taste buds.

The ingenious combination promises a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Home cooks seeking to impress will find this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why This Meatloaf Has a Smoky Edge You’ll Crave

• Bacon-Wrapped Goodness: Transforms classic meatloaf into a drool-worthy dish by adding crispy, smoky bacon that creates an irresistible outer layer with incredible flavor and texture.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Easily prepared in just over an hour, this recipe delivers a hearty meal perfect for busy families wanting a satisfying dinner without complicated cooking techniques.
• Protein-Packed Performance: Delivers a substantial 22g of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking a nutritionally balanced meal that keeps hunger at bay.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexible preparation allowing home cooks to adjust ingredients or bacon coverage, ensuring personal taste preferences are met while maintaining the recipe's core deliciousness.

What Goes Into That Juicy Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Lean meat provides the base for the meatloaf with rich flavor and protein.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and creating a cohesive texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and create a tender meatloaf structure.

• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to the meatloaf.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and depth to the overall taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the meats natural flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings tangy, umami complexity to the dish.

• Bacon: Creates a crispy, flavorful exterior that adds richness and moisture to the meatloaf.
• Vegetable Oil Spray: Helps prevent sticking and aids in easy removal from the pan.
• Aluminum Foil: Assists with easy cleanup and pan preparation.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil and lightly spray with vegetable oil cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground meat
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Seasonings

Use your hands or a fork to mix thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan. Carefully shape it into a compact loaf about 3 inches wide and high, creating an even surface.

Step 4: Add Bacon Topping

Carefully lay bacon strips across the top of the meatloaf. Trim the bacon edges if needed, understanding they will shrink during cooking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the bacon turns crispy and golden.

Step 6: Create Crispy Bacon Finish

If the bacon needs additional crispiness, switch the oven to broil. Carefully broil for 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Use two spatulas to transfer to a serving platter. Slice into wedges and serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf Texture

• Bacon Placement Perfection: Overlap bacon strips slightly to ensure complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion across the meatloaf.
• Moisture Retention Trick: Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough texture; handle meat mixture with light touches to keep it tender and juicy.
• Temperature Check Technique: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Bacon Crisp Control: Broil carefully during the last few minutes, watching constantly to achieve golden-brown bacon without burning.
• Resting Ritual: Let meatloaf rest exactly five minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains succulent and flavorful.

Storing and Reheating Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf Without Drying It Out

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container for maximum freshness. Refrigerated meatloaf stays delicious for 3-4 days when properly stored.
• Freezing: Want longer storage? Freeze individual slices wrapped separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen meatloaf maintains quality for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Revive cold meatloaf by placing slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Splash a tablespoon of beef broth or water over the slices to prevent drying out. Microwave works too – heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.

Best Sidekicks for Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory bacon-wrapped meatloaf with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, whose intense flavors match the meat's deep, smoky profile.
• Serve with Zesty Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding roasted bell peppers, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, which provide a colorful and tangy contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
• Match with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a classic comfort food combination by serving smooth, buttery mashed potatoes alongside the meatloaf, absorbing its delicious juices and adding a velvety texture to the meal.
• Cool Down with Crisp Salad: Balance the richness of the bacon and meat with a light, refreshing green salad dressed in a bright vinaigrette, cutting through the heaviness and adding a fresh element to the plate.

Creative Twists on Classic Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf

• Herb Garden Fusion: Incorporate fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage into the meatloaf mixture for an aromatic herbal profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and a dash of chili powder to transform the meatloaf with bold southwestern flavors and a subtle heat.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Blend in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version that brings tangy and rich notes to the dish.
• Smoky Maple Infusion: Brush the bacon with maple syrup and sprinkle smoked paprika over the top before baking, creating a sweet and smoky glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Bacon-wrapped zucchini meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables with a savory twist. Juicy ground beef mingles with fresh zucchini, then gets embraced by crispy bacon, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Base:

• 1.25 pounds ground beef
• 1 packed cup shredded zucchini
• 2 large eggs

Cheese and Binders:

• 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 minced cloves of garlic
• 0.33 cup diced onion
• 0.33 cup diced jarred roasted red peppers
• 7 slices of bacon

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan by lining with aluminum foil and lightly coating with vegetable oil spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground meat, herbs, spices, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings using clean hands or a sturdy fork to ensure uniform distribution.
3. Gently transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan, carefully sculpting it into a compact rectangular loaf approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) wide and tall.
4. Artfully drape bacon strips across the entire surface of the meat loaf, overlapping slightly and trimming edges as necessary to ensure complete coverage.
5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 50 minutes, monitoring the meat’s internal temperature and bacon’s crispness.
6. If additional browning is desired, activate the broiler function for 1-2 minutes, watching meticulously to prevent charring.
7. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a more cohesive texture.
8. Using two wide spatulas, carefully transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter.
9. Slice into generous wedges and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Bacon transforms this classic meatloaf into a crispy, savory masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Zucchini secretly sneaks extra vegetables into this hearty dish, making it nutritious and deliciously sneaky.
• Wrapping the loaf with bacon creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and adds irresistible flavor.
• Letting the meatloaf rest allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains tender and packed with incredible taste.
• Broiling the bacon for a few extra minutes gives a perfectly crisp top that delivers maximum crunch and caramelization.
• Serving this crowd-pleasing meal with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables completes the ultimate comfort food experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 384 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 623mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 131mg