🥓🧀 Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf (Ultra Juicy)
🛒 Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp ketchup or BBQ sauce (optional)
Cheese Filling
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
Wrap
- 10–12 slices bacon
👩🍳 Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F / 190°C. Line a baking tray with parchment or foil.
- Mix meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, spices, and ketchup. Mix gently (don’t overwork).
- Shape & fill: Flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle. Add cheese down the center. Fold meat around the cheese and seal well.
- Wrap with bacon: Lay bacon slices slightly overlapping; place meatloaf on top and wrap tightly.
- Bake: Transfer to tray and bake 45–55 minutes until bacon is crisp and internal temp reaches 160°F / 71°C.
- Rest: Let sit 10 minutes before slicing (keeps the cheese from running out).
🔥 Pro Tips
- Brush bacon with BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes for a sticky glaze.
- Swap beef for half beef / half turkey for a lighter version.
- Add chopped jalapeños or caramelized onions to the cheese for extra flavor.
