Bacon-Wrapped Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze
A comforting, savory loaf with crispy bacon and a sweet-tangy tomato glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired beef ready in about 70 minutes pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped celery, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; mix gently until combined.
- Step 2: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a log about 3 inches in diameter.
- Step 3: Wrap each log with 2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed. Place on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; brush half over the bacon-wrapped loaves.
- Step 5: Bake for 45-50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F and bacon is crisp, then brush with remaining glaze and rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bacon-Wrapped Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bacon-Wrapped Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bacon-Wrapped Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bacon-Wrapped Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bacon-Wrapped Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
