Smokin' Ray's Magic Cow Dust Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Good food doesn't always have to be fast food. This meatloaf spends about an hour in the oven, but you'll only spend a few minutes putting it together. Around our house, this little one-pound loaf feeds Lisa and me for two nights, making it one of the best comfort food values you'll find.

Seasoned inside and out with Smokin' Ray's Magic Cow Dust, then wrapped in a bacon weave and finished with a tangy tomato glaze — this is weeknight comfort food with BBQ soul.

• • 1 lb ground beef
• • 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• • ¼ cup dried chopped onion
• • ½ cup breadcrumbs
• • 1 large egg, beaten
• • 8 oz tomato sauce, reserving 2 tablespoons for the glaze
• • 2 tablespoons Smokin' Ray's Magic Cow Dust
• • 1 bacon weave (6–8 slices)
• • Additional Magic Cow Dust for seasoning the outside

• • 2 tablespoons reserved tomato sauce
• • 1 tablespoon ketchup
• • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the tomato sauce for the glaze.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, dried onion, breadcrumbs, egg, remaining tomato sauce, and 2 tablespoons of Smokin' Ray's Magic Cow Dust. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Shape into a loaf and place on a baking pan.
5. Lightly season the outside with additional Magic Cow Dust.
6. Wrap the loaf in a bacon weave and give the bacon one more light dusting of Magic Cow Dust.
7. Bake for 15 minutes.
8. Carefully flip the meatloaf and continue baking for another 15 minutes.
9. Flip the meatloaf back over.
10. Mix together the reserved tomato sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. Brush generously over the bacon weave.
11. Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp, the glaze is caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
12. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Ray's Tips

• Flipping the meatloaf during cooking helps crisp the bacon on all sides.
• Don't skip the resting time. It keeps every slice juicy and together.
• Spoon a little of the rendered bacon and beef juices over each slice for even more flavor.
• Great served with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, baked beans, or roasted vegetables.
• Leftovers make incredible meatloaf sandwiches the next day.