This classic meatloaf recipe is transformed into something spectacular with the addition of crispy bacon and a sweet and savory bacon onion jam topping that brings new life to this old time favorite for a meal the whole family will enjoy!
1. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain all but 4 tbsp of the bacon grease.
2. Dice the onions and add to the skillet.
3. Cook the onion in the bacon grease, stirring often until they are well caramelized. Turn the heat down to low.
4. Stir in the garlic to the skillet and cook on low until fragrant.
5. Add the brown sugar to the pan making sure to coat all pieces well.
6. Once the bacon and onions are coated in the brown sugar add in the ketchup and dijon mustard. Mix to combine.
7. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture begins to boil making sure to stir frequently.
8. Once the mixture comes to a boil reduce the heat to low and let simmer until it is thick enough to coat a spoon easily and has a jam like texture.
Meatloaf Mixture:
1. In a separate bowl soak the breadcrumbs in milk.
2. Mix the ground beef with the beaten eggs, onion, salt, pepper and soaked bread crumbs until well combined.
3. Once the mixture is well combined, press into a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. And top with the sweet bacon onion jam.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
Notes
I like to put any stale homemade bread in my food processor to make homemade breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs will keep well in the freezer for several months. If using sourdough bread crumbs, you may need to add more breadcrumbs than recommended to soak up the milk. If you do not have breadcrumbs on hand, crushed crackers can be used instead.