Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – avoid overmixing.
Lay bacon strips across your lined loaf pan, slightly overlapping, with ends hanging over the sides.
Transfer the meat mixture into the pan, pressing down gently to remove air pockets.
Fold the overhanging bacon strips over the top, creating a neat wrap.
Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl and spread half over the top.
Bake for 1 hour, then brush with remaining glaze.
Continue baking for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.