Caramelized Onion and Bacon Meatloaf

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich meatloaf infused with deeply caramelized onions and crispy bacon, baked to golden perfection. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs (80% lean) ground beef, ground pork, large, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, leaving 1 tbsp fat in skillet. Add diced onion to skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, caramelized onions, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with a fork until combined.
  3. Step 3: Transfer mixture to an 8x4-inch loaf pan, shaping into a loaf. Top with reserved bacon.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Onion and Bacon Meatloaf take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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 Caramelized Onion and Bacon Meatloaf?

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 (80% lean) ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Onion and Bacon Meatloaf?

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 Caramelized Onion and Bacon Meatloaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Caramelized Onion and Bacon Meatloaf?

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

Related recipes