Juicy Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf Recipe for Family Dinners

Sizzling aromas fill the kitchen with this irresistible bacon-wrapped zucchini meatloaf that combines hearty comfort and unexpected veggie freshness.

Tender ground meat mingles with zesty seasonings and soft zucchini for a protein-packed dinner sensation.

Each slice promises a mouthwatering blend of smoky bacon and juicy vegetables that dance across your palate.

The crispy bacon exterior adds a delightful crunch that seals in all the savory flavors.

Lean and packed with nutrients, this meatloaf breaks free from traditional recipes with its vibrant twist.

Weekend meal prep just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Dig in and savor every delectable bite of this game-changing meatloaf.

Tools to Make Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• 9×13 baking pan: Essential for shaping and cooking the meatloaf.
• Aluminum foil: Helps line the pan for easy cleanup.
• Vegetable oil spray: Prevents sticking and ensures smooth removal.
• Spatulas: Helpful for transferring the cooked meatloaf to a serving platter.
• Knife: Needed for cutting the meatloaf into serving wedges.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Useful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Meat thermometer (optional): Ensures the meatloaf reaches safe internal temperature.

How to Cook Zucchini Meatloaf Wrapped in Bacon

• Oven Preparation Preheat the oven to a toasty 400 degrees, creating the perfect warm environment for your culinary adventure. Line a baking pan with foil and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.
• Mixing Magic Combine all the ingredients except the bacon in a spacious mixing bowl. Use your hands to blend everything together, ensuring each component gets friendly with its neighbors. Let the ingredients mingle and get to know each other.
• Loaf Shaping Gently transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, crafting a beautiful loaf shape that's about three inches wide and tall. This is where your meatloaf starts to take on its signature form.
• Bacon Blanket Carefully drape bacon strips across the top of the loaf, creating a mouthwatering protective layer. Don't worry if the strips need a little trimming – they'll naturally shrink during cooking.
• Cooking Transformation Slide the pan into the hot oven and bake for around 50 minutes. For that perfect crispy bacon finish, switch to the broiler for a quick two-minute finale. Keep a watchful eye to prevent any burning mishaps.
• Resting and Serving Allow the meatloaf to rest for five minutes after cooking, letting the juices settle and flavors intensify. Carefully transfer to a serving platter, ready to be sliced and devoured by hungry guests.

Tips to Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf

• Add a dash of smoked paprika or dried herbs like thyme and rosemary to elevate the meatloaf's taste profile and create more depth.
• Replace traditional bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option or use prosciutto for an elegant, gourmet twist that adds rich flavor complexity.
• Finely dice additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms and mix them into the meat mixture to increase nutrition and create more interesting texture.
• Prepare the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.
• Swap breadcrumbs with ground almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to ensure those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this delicious meal without compromising taste or texture.

Serving Zucchini Meatloaf the Right Way

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty meatloaf as the star of your family meal, surrounded by roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes for a complete, comforting plate.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich, smoky bacon-wrapped meatloaf with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp Pinot Noir to enhance the savory flavors and create a restaurant-quality dining experience.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Transform cold meatloaf slices into gourmet sandwiches by adding sharp cheddar cheese, tangy mustard, and crisp lettuce between two slices of toasted sourdough bread for a delicious next-day meal.
• Brunch Remix: Slice the meatloaf and serve alongside sunny-side-up eggs and a fresh green salad for a hearty weekend brunch that will impress family and friends with its unexpected twist on traditional breakfast fare.

Storage Instructions for Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover meatloaf slices in airtight containers within the refrigerator for maximum freshness, ensuring they stay delicious up to 3-4 days. Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Magic: Slice the entire meatloaf before freezing, separating layers with parchment paper. Sealed in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, these portions can remain tasty for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor restoration.
• Reheating Perfect Technique: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, which helps maintain the bacon's crispy exterior and keeps the meat juicy.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate the uncooked mixture for up to 24 hours before baking. This method allows flavors to meld and saves precious cooking time during busy weeknights, making dinner preparation a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 7

Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: Lean protein base that provides rich, hearty flavor and substantial texture for the meatloaf.
• Eggs: Natural binder that helps hold the meatloaf together and adds moisture to prevent dryness.
• Bread Crumbs: Creates light, tender texture and helps absorb moisture to keep the meatloaf compact.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds tangy, sharp taste and creamy melted pockets throughout the meatloaf.
• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic duo that builds deep, savory foundational flavor profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complex umami undertones and enhances overall meaty richness.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Introduces sweet, slightly smoky notes with vibrant color and soft texture.

• Zucchini: Provides natural moisture, subtle earthiness, and helps keep the meatloaf tender.
• Ketchup: Creates a sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully and adds glossy finish.
• Bacon: Delivers crispy exterior, smoky flavor, and acts as a stunning wrapper that keeps meatloaf juicy.

Savory Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Meatloaf

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Savory bacon-wrapped zucchini meatloaf combines hearty ground beef with garden-fresh zucchini, wrapped in crispy bacon for a mouthwatering meal. Home cooks can elevate weeknight dinners with this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises rich flavor and satisfying texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.25 lbs (567 g) ground beef
• 1 packed cup shredded zucchini
• 7 slices bacon
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) seasoned bread crumbs
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.33 cup (80 ml) diced onion
• 0.33 cup (80 ml) diced jarred roasted red peppers
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil, lightly spraying with vegetable oil for effortless release.
2. Mixing: Combine ground meat, herbs, spices, eggs, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl, thoroughly blending with hands to create a uniform, well-integrated mixture.
3. Shaping: Mold the meat mixture into a compact rectangular loaf within the prepared pan, ensuring even dimensions and smooth contours.
4. Bacon Wrapping: Meticulously layer bacon strips across the meatloaf’s surface, slightly overlapping to guarantee complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
5. Roasting: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, periodically checking the internal temperature and observing the bacon’s developing crispness.
6. Finishing: Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown exterior, carefully monitoring to prevent excessive charring.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-7 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter and slice into generous portions, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for juiciest, most flavorful meatloaf that prevents dryness and maintains rich texture.
• Bacon Placement Technique: Overlap bacon strips slightly to create complete coverage, ensuring crispy exterior and preventing meat from drying during cooking.
• Temperature Check Critical: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Resting Period Essential: Allow meatloaf to rest 5-7 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, preventing meat from becoming tough and maintaining optimal moisture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg