Mozzarella 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.
- Author: Lara
- 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
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
- 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