"Stuart Little" Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf



My 3 1/2 year old neighbor James was helping me make little individual meatloaves yesterday.
He exclaimed that Stuart Little and his brother tracked down a meatloaf bandit!

OK, I believe most of what toddlers tell me, but I was skeptical about this one.

After googling it, James was correct. There is a 2003 episode called "Stuart Little and the Meatloaf Bandit".
I will never doubt the boy again.



Another note before we get started:

I am amazed and give kudos to all of you moms who let your kids help you in the kitchen.
I was never allowed to cook when I was a kid or a teenager, because my mother did not want the mess. Cooking with kids is certainly messy!!!
I don't have kids so don't have fingerprints on my fridge, or goldfish crackers on my floor.
It sounds like I run a tight ship, doesn't it?
I will say, it was really fun making the loaves with my favorite boy.


Now back to making meatloaf.

This is my most requested recipe. No lie. I make them for dinner parties in the winter and people love them.
They are pretty little packages, tightly wrapped in bacon. How can you go wrong?



Stacey Snacks Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaves
(makes 4 loaves)

~ 1 onion, finely chopped
~ 2 garlic cloves minced
~ 2-3 lbs. of meatloaf mixture: I use ground pork, veal and ground beef
~ 1/2 cup ketchup
~ chopped fresh rosemary
~ chopped fresh parsley
~ 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
~ a shake or 2 of Worcestershire sauce
~ 3/4 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs
~ 1 egg
~ salt and pepper
~ 1 lb. package of bacon slices (I use about half the package)

I start by sauteing my onion and garlic in a pan with some olive oil until soft.
I add the cooked onion and garlic to my meat mixture.
Mix everything in a bowl together except the bacon.
Don't over mix.



Now form your lovely packages into 5" long loaves. Cut bacon slices to drape over each loaf. About 4 half slices for each little mini meatloaf. Pack them tightly on the meat to keep them moist.

I bake them on a rack over a cookie sheet to catch the drippings. Less mess this way.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 35-45 minutes. Temperature should reach 160.
Let rest about 10 minutes on cutting board before slicing, otherwise the slices will fall apart. Let the juices redistribute and solidify.



I serve this with roasted potatoes and green beans w/ pesto.

This is great for sandwiches the next day, as you can imagine!

Comments

Maria said…
Cute post! I am sure the extra help in the kitchen was nice.
Stuart Little mini meatloaf ~ how wonderful! With bacon too...so they are doubly delicious. Yum.
♥Rosemary
Wow, this is funny that we both posted meatloaf. Yours looks much prettier though:)
Giff said…
I like the use of mustard. will try that.

Yes, cooking with 3 1/2 yr old can be messy. Ours always wants to help but since she can't slice or work a pan, I usually have to give her a bowl of dried beans and a few other large ingredients (carrots) to stir!

glad Hen gets his meatloaf sandwiches after all :)
Bacon makes everything better! Cute name for it.
Patsyk said…
Yep, cooking with kids can be VERY messy... but, fun! Try cooking with 2 kids at once... you may run screaming from the kitchen (sometimes I feel like doing that!). LOL!!

I can imagine those meatloves must be so moist and delicious. Great combination of flavors there. Definitely a treat with the bacon added though... gonna have to increase my workouts after eating these!
kat said…
We wrap our meatloaf in bacon too, its so good. But I've never made little ones like that, it kind of fancies meatloaf up.
Anonymous said…
Sounds like fun. I love it when I have a chance to cook with my nieces.

--This is a little scary, I made stuffed cabbage which is kind of like meatloaf only wrapped in cabbage leaves instead of bacon.
Pam said…
I love cooking with my kids (although it is really messy). It's a great way to have one on one quality time with them - without playing Candyland 1000 times.

The mini meat loaves look amazing. I love that you wrapped them in bacon - YUM!
Anonymous said…
I love cooking with my 6 year old son! Can't wait to make these with him (I'm sure he'd love to mix everything up in the bowl - I'll just have to watch that he doesn't "overmix"!) Can I renew my plea for your sweet potato gratin recipe for Thanksgiving?! Come on -- for me, your #1 fan?!?!
SarahB said…
That looks so good! Super sweet post too! Have you ever made Ina's turkey meatloaf? It's our "go to" meatloaf recipe.
The Food Hunter said…
Bacon and meatloaf...sounds like a match made in heaven.
Yumm Stacey! I love your small loafs better than one big loaf! Besides I think you get more bacon that way! I can see why everybody requests them. Who knows, your little buddie in the kitchen may one day be a top chef, just from observing you and cooking with you in the kitchen!
RecipeGirl said…
Ah, I bet he just loved helping you. My son loves to be in the kitchen w/ me. He won a pie contest at the fair when he was 5!
Alexa said…
What a cute story... and neighbor. :-)
Individual meat loaves is a great presentation for this dish. It adds a certain elegance to it. Your pics are great!
Deborah Dowd said…
I had to cook growing up since my mom worked, and I try to let my kids play around in the kitchen. It is the best way to foster a healthy approach to food. Kudos to you and your little one for a delicious-looking meatloaf!
Bluebird NY said…
I love these meat loaves! The combo of meats plus bacon is a winner. Can't wait to make them.
Anonymous said…
These are dang adorable...my kids would love them! Thank you for this!
Peter M said…
There you go again, opening up your kitchen to varying neighbors.

The meatloaf slices are perfect...I too add bacon for flavour and presentation.
Anonymous said…
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