Ingredients
- A mist of cooking spray
- A generous ½ cup of flavorful ketchup
- A ½ cup of rich, packed brown sugar
- A substantial 1 ½ pounds of ground beef
- A ¾ cup of finely crushed unsalted saltine crackers
- Two large eggs
- A fragrant ¾ portion of a medium onion, finely chopped
- A delightful trio of garlic cloves, minced to preference
- Two tablespoons of tangy Dijon mustard
- A sprinkle of salt and pepper to suit your taste
- Two tablespoons of savory Worcestershire sauce
- Six slices of savory bacon
Step 1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly greasing a loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2
To add a depth of flavor, start by spreading a layer of ketchup at the base of the loaf pan, followed by a generous sprinkling of brown sugar for a sweet and tangy touch.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with crushed crackers, eggs, finely diced onion, minced garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. Mix until well combined, then shape the mixture into a loaf and carefully place it in the prepared pan.
Step 4
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange strips of bacon on top of the meatloaf in a lattice design or any other decorative pattern of your choice.
Step 5
Slide the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake until the meatloaf is cooked through, the juices run clear, and the bacon is nice and crispy, typically taking around 1 hour. This hearty and flavorful dish is sure to become a family favorite with its delicious blend of savory and sweet elements.
Extra Tips & Suggestions
- 1. Utilize airtight containers to keep your bacon fresh and flavor-packed.
- 2. Store your brown sugar in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping.
- 3. Keep your ground meatloaf mixture in portioned bags for easy meal prep.
