📖 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even cooking. A preheated oven ensures the meatloaf cooks consistently throughout.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Don't overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. Gently does it!
3. On a cutting board, lay out the bacon strips, slightly overlapping each other. You're creating a bacon 'blanket' to wrap around the meatloaf. The bacon adds both flavor and moisture, preventing the meatloaf from drying out. I always use good quality bacon here, its worth the extra cost.
4. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf. Place the loaf on top of the bacon strips. Carefully wrap the bacon around the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath to secure them. If needed, use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped meatloaf in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the meatloaf moist during the initial cooking phase. Trust me, its a lifesaver.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked. Nobody wants undercooked meat!
7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf. Slice and serve. I recomend some mash and green beans as a side.