Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe
Introduction
This mozzarella stuffed bacon wrapped meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. With a gooey mozzarella center and crispy turkey bacon on the outside, it’s a family favorite that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8-10 slices Turkey Bacon
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and mix gently with your hands until just combined to bind everything together.
- Step 4: Flatten a portion of the meat mixture onto a piece of parchment paper into a rectangle shape.
- Step 5: Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese down the center of the meat rectangle.
- Step 6: Fold the meat over the cheese to encase it completely, shaping it into a loaf.
- Step 7: Wrap the meatloaf evenly with overlapping slices of turkey bacon. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Step 8: Place the wrapped meatloaf in a greased baking dish.
- Step 9: Brush the top of the meatloaf with barbecue sauce if desired.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Step 11: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to settle.
Tips & Variations
- Use turkey or regular bacon depending on your preference for a smokier or leaner flavor.
- For extra flavor, mix in chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil into the meat mixture.
- Try swapping barbecue sauce for a tangy tomato glaze or your favorite ketchup blend.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf slices for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, regular bacon works great and adds a richer, smokier flavor, but it will also be higher in fat and calories.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) to ensure the beef is cooked safely.
PrintMozzarella Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe
This Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef, Parmesan, and aromatic spices, stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, then wrapped in smoky turkey bacon and baked to perfection. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner and serves 6 people.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
Stuffing and Wrapping
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8–10 slices Turkey Bacon
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Eggs: Beat the two eggs and add them to the meat mixture to help bind all ingredients together.
- Combine Gently: Mix all ingredients gently with your hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Base Layer: Flatten a portion of the meat mixture on parchment paper into a rectangular shape to hold the cheese stuffing.
- Add Cheese: Spread shredded mozzarella cheese down the center of the rectangular meat layer evenly.
- Encase Cheese: Fold the meat mixture over the cheese, encasing it completely inside to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
- Wrap with Turkey Bacon: Wrap the meatloaf entirely in overlapping slices of turkey bacon for added flavor and moisture.
- Secure Bacon: Use toothpicks to secure the ends of the bacon if necessary to keep it in place during cooking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the wrapped meatloaf in a greased baking dish, ensuring it is well supported.
- Brush with Barbecue Sauce: Brush the top of the bacon-wrapped meatloaf with barbecue sauce to add a smoky glaze.
- Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked.
- Rest: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and improve texture.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
- Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps retain moisture and prevents the cheese from oozing out.
- If turkey bacon strips are thin, use 10 slices to ensure full coverage.
- For a crispier bacon texture, broil the meatloaf for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Substitute regular bacon for turkey bacon if preferred for a richer flavor, but this affects fat content.
Keywords: meatloaf, bacon wrapped meatloaf, mozzarella stuffed meatloaf, turkey bacon, baked meatloaf, comfort food, easy meatloaf recipe
