Pork Meatloaf with Bacon

This Pork Meatloaf with Bacon recipe combines the smoky and savory flavors of bacon and ground pork for a meatloaf you and your family will love.

Ground Pork Meatloaf

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of meatloaf?

Is it a Grandmother’s cooking? A Sunday meal around the table with family and friends? Bacon probably didn’t come to mind.

This recipe will forever change how you view meatloaf.

Using ground pork as the base and wrapping it in bacon changes the ways of the past and introduces a new way to make a comfort food classic.

Giving meatloaf an upgrade doesn’t mean you must stray from savory traditional side dishes. We suggest you keep the mash potatoes, and corn and serve with a side of cornbread. You can thank us later.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground pork *
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (OR 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• 8 strips bacon

Recipe Tips

• Select slightly thinner bacon slices that will crisp up well as the meatloaf is baking.
• Use toothpicks to keep the bacon ends in place on the meatloaf during the cooking process.
• Don’t have fresh parsley on hand? Substitute with 2 Tablespoons of dried parsley.

How to cook meatloaf with ground pork

Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and set aside.

Add eggs, milk, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Whisk until everything is evenly combined. Add the ground pork, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Mix until combined.

Transfer the meat to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a 9 by 5-inch loaf.

Arrange the bacon across the top of the meatloaf, tucking the ends under the meatloaf. 

Bake for about 55 to 65 minutes until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees F.  

Remove from the oven to a cutting board and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Can you make meatloaf with ground pork?

Yes! Ground pork is the main ingredient in this meatloaf recipe.

The meat grind of the pork will balance out nicely with the bacon wrap of this version of meatloaf.

Meatloaf done temperature

Since meatloaf is created using ground pork the internal cooking temperature needs to reach 160 degrees F.

To check doneness properly, use an instant-read or digital cooking thermometer.

For an accurate reading insert the thermometer into the center of the meatloaf.

How long do you cook pork meatloaf?

Our recipe calls for approximately an hour of cooking at 400 degrees F.

The most reliable way to tell when meatloaf is done is by checking the internal temperature with an instant-read or digital cooking thermometer and ensuring it has reached 160 degrees F.

Meatloaf Topping Ideas

Traditionally meatloaf recipes call for a sauce or glaze with a ketchup base.

Since our recipe calls for a bacon wrap over the meatloaf, you might want to try a different glaze style.

Adding a brown sugar glaze or one based around a sweet syrup is a style we recommend.

How long to cook meatloaf at 400

A general guideline, meatloaf cooked at 400 degrees F takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes. The size and shape of the meatloaf could cause the need for additional time.

Having the center of the meatloaf reach the food-safe internal temperature of 160 degrees F is the ultimate guide to doneness.

Is meatloaf beef or pork?

Meatloaf is either beef, pork, or both! Our recipe calls for all-ground pork as the meat of choice.

Many people will default to meatloaf being made with beef, but that doesn’t always have to be the case.

Ground pork may be slightly more economically priced compared to ground beef.

Meatloaf Sides

Meatloaf is comfort food at its finest. When planning a dinner around a bacon-wrapped pork meatloaf, it is important to keep your favorite home cooking sides in mind.

You can never go wrong with classics like mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, creamed corn, and mac & cheese.

Other Ground Pork Recipes

Pork sausage, ground pork, BBQ sauce, and a few simple ingredients make this moist and hearty BBQ Pork Meatloaf a dinnertime favorite.

Hot Tamale Casserole is a simple and easy casserole recipe with a cornmeal crust, ground pork and bean filling, and lots of cheese on top.

Made with a blend of aromatic spices and ground pork, these Asian Pork Meatballs can be served up as a flavorful appetizer or main dish.