BBQ Bacon Meatloaf

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Spread the bacon evenly across the baking sheet and place it in the oven. Set a timer for 18 minutes and check the bacon when it beeps.

Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, checking frequently towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning the bacon. Remove from the oven and use tongs to transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Set aside 1 tablespoon of bacon grease for the sauce. When the bacon is cool enough to touch, chop it into very small ¼-inch pieces.

Adjust the oven temperature to 350°F. Combine the ground beef, cooked bacon, oats, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Mix together with your hands or a wooden spoon.

Shape into a loaf form on a foil-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce with 1 tablespoon of warm bacon grease. Pour the sauce over the meatloaf and brush lightly to coat. Bake for 65-70 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.