Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Meatloaf – A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite

Introduction

Looking for a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to make and will have everyone asking for seconds? This Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Meatloaf is the perfect dish to satisfy those cravings! With a combination of juicy meat, melted cheese, and crispy bacon on top, this meatloaf takes the traditional recipe to the next level. It’s packed with flavor and will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s get started on creating this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, but adds flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use plain or seasoned)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend of your choice)
• 6-8 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Use your hands to mix everything together gently until well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the meat, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

1. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Smooth out the top to make sure it cooks evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf

1. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through (the internal temperature should be 160°F or 71°C).

Step 5: Add the Toppings

1. Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
2. Add the crispy, crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.

Step 6: Final Bake

1. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the bacon is crispy.
2. Optional: For a touch of sweetness, drizzle ketchup over the top before baking for the last 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve the meatloaf hot with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Pro Tips

• For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a bit of smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
• If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce is a great substitute.
• To make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
• To make it spicier, add a bit of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Meatloaf is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and smoky flavors, all baked to perfection. The crispy bacon and gooey cheese on top make it the star of any meal. Whether for dinner or a gathering with friends, this meatloaf will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Call to Action
Tried this Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Meatloaf? Let us know in the comments how it turned out, and if you made any fun variations! Don’t forget to check out our blog for more mouthwatering recipes that make dinner easy and enjoyable.