Virtually Homemade: Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with a Spicy Sweet Ketchup Glaze (Gluten Free)

Meatloaf is truly a comfort food. It brings back pleasant memories of childhood and baked ground meat wrapped in crispy, salty bacon and coated in gooey sweet ketchup. Yes, I did say bacon. If you have never wrapped your meatloaf in bacon before, you must start now! The richness and flavor soaks into the loaf, creating a decadent mouth sensation.

I personally love a ketchup glaze. Although slathering it on plain is ultra delicious, I decided to jazz mine up with a bit of brown sugar and sriracha. These ingredients provide a sweet and spicy kick that really complement the bacon and seasoning in the loaf.

Since I like to avoid gluten, I substitute cornmeal for breadcrumbs in this recipe. It's healthy (whole grain) and adds a fun and different dimension while helping the meatloaf to bind beautifully.

Add some creamy mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans and you have a hearty meal that will soothe and warm your body and soul. No doubt about it - meatloaf is a number one rated comfort food.

Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with a Sweet and Spicy Ketchup Glaze

serves 4-6

Ingredients

1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1 cup cornmeal
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup parmesan
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 slices bacon

For the Glaze

1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sriracha (or other hot sauce)
1/2 cup ketchup

Cooking Directions

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Saute onions, garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil on medium heat. Cook until onions are translucent - approximately 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add meat, egg, cornmeal and parsley to the bowl. Mix gently with a fork or hands (don't be afraid to get messy!). Add in cheese, salt and pepper, combine well.
Transfer mixture to a greased or parchment lined baking sheet and form a medium sized loaf.
Starting at one end, layer bacon diagonally over meatloaf. There should be some overlap for when bacon shrinks. After covering completely, tucks end under loaf.
Bake for 45 minutes. For crispier bacon put under broiler for 3 minutes. The internal temperature should measure 160 degrees on a meat thermometer.
For the Glaze: combine ketchup, sugar and sriracha in a small bowl. Brush or drizzle onto loaf 10 minutes before done baking.
Let rest for 5 minutes and transfer the meatloaf to a platter with two large spatulas.

More FN Dish Meatloaf Recipes: