Bacon Cheesy Meatloaf

This gooey cheese-stuffed meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon feels like a big, warm hug. Your friends and family will be floored by how good it tastes. It's honestly a snap to throw together, too. You get juicy meat, melty cheese, and bacon that's totally irresistible.

I whip up this meatloaf at our family get-togethers every time, and it always vanishes first. Even my super picky nephews keep coming back for seconds.

Tasty Ingredients

• 900 grams ground beef: aim for 15-20% fat so it’s nice and juicy
• 2 eggs: these help everything come together and hold its shape
• 165 ml breadcrumbs: plain works best so you can control the flavors
• Salt, pepper, and paprika: season it up to taste, paprika gives a little smoky vibe
• 255 grams bacon: go for medium-cut slices, not too thick, not too thin
• 125 ml shredded mozzarella: pick one that melts well
• 125 ml BBQ sauce: use your favorite, whether you want it spicy or sweet

Simple Step-by-Step Directions

Heat Up the Oven:

Crank your oven to 175°C and move the rack into the middle. That way, everything bakes evenly.

Get the Pan Ready:

Line your loaf pan with parchment. Let it hang over the sides so pulling the meatloaf out later is super easy.

Start with the Bacon:

Lay two-thirds of the bacon across the lined pan, leaving the ends over the edges. You'll fold these up to cover the meat later.

Mix Up the Meat:

In a big bowl, gently blend the ground beef, eggs, spices, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands, but don’t overmix—it keeps things tender.

Build the Base:

Take two-thirds of your meat mix and gently press it into the pan so you get an even layer with a little dip in the center.

Cheese It Up:

Put the shredded mozzarella down the middle trench. Cover the cheese all the way with the rest of the beef mix and press the sides to keep everything sealed inside.

Top It Off with Bacon:

Add the rest of the bacon strips over the top, then fold in those overhanging pieces to totally tuck in your meatloaf.

First Bake:

Pour a third of your BBQ sauce over the top. Pop it in the oven for 40 minutes, until the bacon starts to get that nice color and the meat’s starting to cook through.

Sauce Time:

Pull it out and slather another third of the BBQ sauce on top. Back in the oven it goes.

Finish Cooking:

Let it bake for 20 more minutes. Brush on all that last BBQ sauce. The meatloaf’s ready when the inside hits 71°C—that's cooked just right.

The first time I made this, it was for my dad’s birthday. He loved it so much, he actually took all the leftovers home—totally out of character for him.

Storing and Reheating

Your meatloaf will stay awesome in the fridge for up to 3 days if you cover it well. To warm it up, cut thick slices and pop them onto a baking sheet in a 160°C oven for a few minutes. That keeps the bacon crispy. Avoid microwaving or the bacon will just turn soft.

Tasty Twists

Try switching out mozzarella for sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or even blue cheese if you want a bolder flavor. You can also get creative by mixing in some finely chopped veggies—think bell peppers or mushrooms—for a little extra taste and nutrition boost in the meat mix.

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Perfect Sides

Serve this up with smooth mashed potatoes and something green, like roasted asparagus or green beans. The sauce goes crazy well with the mash, and together it makes a meal that everyone at the table will dig into.

Pro Tips

• Let it sit at least 10 minutes before slicing so the juices and cheese stay put
• A meat thermometer is your best friend—aim for 71°C right in the middle
• If you want the bacon extra crisp, blast it under the broiler for 2 or 3 minutes at the end but babysit it so it doesn’t burn

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?

Mix the eggs, breadcrumbs, and meat thoroughly so the texture binds well. This helps hold it all together while cooking.

→ Can I use a different meat instead of bacon?

Of course! Pancetta or prosciutto are great alternatives that taste just as amazing.

→ What sauce pairs best with this dish?

BBQ sauce works beautifully with the combination of bacon and cheese. You could also try homemade tomato sauce or a peppery gravy.

→ Can I swap mozzarella for another cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar, Emmental, or even blue cheese are wonderful options for a stronger taste.

→ How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked properly?

Use a food thermometer to make sure the middle reaches 160°F (70°C). That way you know it’s cooked perfectly.