Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf – A Cozy $5 Dinner That Feels Fancy

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Looking for a dinner that’s rich, satisfying, and feels like a special occasion meal without breaking the bank? This Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef with crispy bacon for a flavor-packed dinner you’ll want on repeat. And the best part? It costs under $5 to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Packed with flavor thanks to savory seasonings and crispy bacon ✅ Feels fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough for weeknights ✅ Budget-friendly ingredients make this perfect for saving money ✅ Great for meal prep – leftovers taste even better!

Ingredients (Serves 4-5)

Ingredient	Quantity	Estimated Cost
Ground beef (80/20)	1 lb	$3.00
Bacon strips	8-10 strips	$1.50
Onion (finely diced)	1 medium	$0.25
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	$0.10
Bread crumbs	1/2 cup	$0.25
Egg	1 large	$0.20
Ketchup	1/4 cup	$0.20
Worcestershire sauce	1 tbsp	$0.10
Salt & Pepper	To taste	Pantry item
Dried thyme (optional)	1 tsp	Pantry item
Brown sugar (for glaze)	1 tbsp	$0.10

Total Cost: Approx. $4.75

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Meatloaf Mixture

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined. For extra flavor, sprinkle in dried thyme or your favorite seasoning blend.

Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf

Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

Lay bacon strips across the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping to ensure coverage. Tuck the ends underneath for a tidy look.

Step 4: Glaze for Extra Flavor

In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp of brown sugar with 2 tbsp of ketchup. Brush this glaze generously over the bacon.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Broil the meatloaf for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the bacon for a perfect golden finish.

Step 6: Rest & Slice

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together better when serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf with these budget-friendly sides:

Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach for a creamy yet light side dish
Mashed Potatoes with a touch of garlic for classic comfort
Roasted Veggies seasoned with olive oil and herbs for a vibrant, colorful plate

Budget Tip: Stretch Your Meat Further!

For a larger family, mix in some lentils or finely diced mushrooms with your ground beef. It adds bulk while still tasting amazing and saving money. Check out my 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries for more budget tricks.

Leftover Ideas

Transform your leftovers into creative new meals:

Meatloaf Sandwiches: Add a slice to toasted bread with melted cheese for an epic sandwich.
Breakfast Hash: Dice up leftover meatloaf and cook it with potatoes and eggs for a hearty morning meal.

Final Tips for Success

✅ Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispness and bold flavor ✅ Don’t skip resting the meatloaf – it keeps everything moist and delicious ✅ If you’re short on time, bake your meatloaf mixture in muffin tins for a fast, kid-friendly version