Buffalo Meatloaf Wrapped in Bacon

This hearty dish combines lean buffalo meat with smoky bacon for a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.

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TIME1 hr 50 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Meatloaf: 2 tablespoons butter 2 slices bacon, chopped ½ yellow onion, chopped 1 carrot, cubed 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 fresh poblano pepper, chopped (Optional) 4 button mushrooms, chopped 3 cloves garlic ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary 2 cups fresh bread crumbs ¼ cup milk 1 large egg 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 pinch cayenne pepper 2 pounds ground buffalo 7 slices thick-cut bacon, or more as needed Glaze: 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (Optional) 2 tablespoons brown sugar (Optional) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Optional)

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the chopped bacon until it’s just about crispy, which should take around 5 to 10 minutes. While that’s cooking, pulse the onion, carrot, celery, red bell pepper, poblano pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor until they’re finely chopped. Add this veggie mix and the rosemary to the skillet with the bacon, cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until everything softens and the flavors mellow.

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Step 2

In a bowl, combine the cooked vegetable mixture with the bread crumbs and milk, then let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stir in the egg, salt, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and cayenne. Finally, add the buffalo meat and mix everything together with your hands until it’s well combined.

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Step 3

Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf about 9x5x3 inches. Lay the bacon strips across the top, tucking the ends underneath to keep them in place. Whisk together the rice vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard to make a smooth glaze.

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Step 4

Pop the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, brush the glaze over the top and bake for another 30 minutes or until the center is no longer pink. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of at least 155°F. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing — this helps everything set up nicely.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked through but not dry; aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it hold together better.
- Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed to keep it wrapped during cooking.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines the rich, hearty flavor of ground buffalo with the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a leaner twist. The bacon adds moisture and a delicious crust that makes every bite satisfying.

Serving ideas

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to balance the savory flavors. A side of tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad also pairs well, adding freshness to the meal.

Storage & leftovers

Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the bacon’s crispness. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months.