“When I asked my family their favorite thing I cook, Mini Bacon Wrapped Meatloafs was the unanimous choice,” shared Alex Robinson. “While it is certainly not the healthiest thing I cook, it is the ultimate comfort food and a big crowd-pleaser with the Robinsons.”
Alex and her husband Jay have been married for 16 years and have always resided in Fairhope, AL. Together they have four children – Jay Nick (14), Parks (10), Greer (5), and their caboose Alexandra (2).
“I always wanted a big family,” Alex said. However, she shared that after her two boys, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and told her the chances of having more children would be slim. “We were thrilled when, after four years in remission, God blessed us with a miracle – a healthy baby girl – and then our caboose, another healthy baby girl! Being a Mom of four can be crazy and stressful, but my children bring immeasurable joy into my life.”
Alex is a graduate of Auburn University and majored in mass communications. Through her internship on the Eastern Shore, she fell in love with all things Fairhope, most notably the festivities – like the Arts and Crafts Festival and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
“Upon graduation, I went to work for the City of Fairhope, helping to plan events like Lighting of the Trees and the Fairhope Christmas Parade. I don’t think a more fun job exists,” said Alex. “I love people and knew I wanted a job where I was constantly interacting and serving others. So, I fell in love with event planning!”
These days, Alex balances her time between being home with the kids and working part-time for the Downtown Fairhope Business Association. She describes it as the perfect balance of staying connected to the community she loves and still being a busy mom of four.
When they are not enjoying the city they call home, Alex said they head to Walt Disney World as often as possible. As annual pass holders, the family spends much time at the most magical place on earth!
Alex shared that the Robinson crew eats out more often than she would like but prefer to eat at home.
“I do most of the cooking during the week, but Jay takes over on the weekends. He is a wonderful cook and always gives traditional recipes his yummy twist,” Alex said. “When making this Mini Meatloaf recipe for dinner, I tend to serve it with mashed potatoes and old-fashioned green beans.”
Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaves
Meatloaf:
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ pounds of ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 bacon slices
Topping:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
- ½ cup fried onion pieces
Directions:
- Preheat oven or grill to 350 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil. Melt butter in saute pan over medium heat.
- Cook onions until fragrant and slightly brown, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and cooked onions and garlic.
- Use your hands to mix well, but try not to overwork the meat.
- Divide into six equal-sized portions and shape into disks.
- Wrap bacon slices around the edge of the disks.
- The diameter of the meatloaf should be so that the bacon ends just meet or slightly overlap.
- In a separate bowl, combine ketchup with mustard and brown sugar.
- Divide equally and spread over the tops of the mini meatloaves.
- Sprinkle tops with crispy fried onions.
- Bake in preheated oven or grill until bacon is just golden, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Author: Gabriele Jones
Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children - two boys, ages 15 and eight, and a sweet girl who joined the family last summer. She is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Foley.
