Mozzarella-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a comforting twist on a classic favorite. Juicy ground beef encases gooey mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in smoky turkey bacon for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or weekend gathering.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Add beaten eggs to the mixture and bind everything together.
4. Step 4: Mix gently with your hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
5. Step 5: Flatten a portion of the meat mixture on parchment paper into a rectangle shape.
6. Step 6: Spread shredded mozzarella down the center of the meat rectangle.
7. Step 7: Fold the meat over the cheese, encasing it completely and sealing the edges.
8. Step 8: Wrap the meatloaf with overlapping slices of turkey bacon, covering it evenly.
9. Step 9: Secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks if needed to keep it wrapped.
10. Step 10: Place the wrapped meatloaf in a greased baking dish.
11. Step 11: Brush the top with barbecue sauce if desired for extra flavor and moisture.
12. Step 12: Bake for 60-70 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
13. Step 13: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to settle.

Tips & Variations

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked perfectly without drying out.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
• Swap turkey bacon for regular bacon for a smokier flavor and crispier texture.
• Try adding chopped herbs like parsley or basil to the meat mixture for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze sliced meatloaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Yes, cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or fontina work well as substitutes, offering different flavors and meltiness.

Is turkey bacon necessary or can I use regular bacon?

Regular bacon can be used if you prefer a smokier, crispier crust. Turkey bacon keeps it lighter but is still flavorful.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 136 reviews

A delicious and hearty mozzarella stuffed bacon wrapped meatloaf recipe that combines seasoned ground beef with creamy mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in savory turkey bacon and baked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner with a smoky, cheesy center.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is fully heated by the time your meatloaf is ready to bake.
2. Combine meatloaf ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add eggs and bind mixture. Beat the eggs separately and add to the meat mixture, gently mixing with your hands until everything is incorporated without overworking the meat.
4. Shape the meatloaf. Spread a portion of the meat mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper, forming a flat rectangle large enough to hold the cheese center.
5. Add mozzarella cheese center. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella down the center of the rectangle, leaving space on the edges for folding.
6. Encase the cheese. Carefully fold the meat mixture over the cheese to completely enclose it, ensuring no cheese is exposed.
7. Wrap with turkey bacon. Lay overlapping slices of turkey bacon over the entire meatloaf, wrapping it snugly to add flavor and moisture.
8. Secure bacon if needed. Use toothpicks to secure the ends of the bacon slices so the wrap holds during baking.
9. Prepare for baking. Place the wrapped meatloaf seam-side down in a greased baking dish or roasting pan.
10. Optional barbecue glaze. Brush the top of the bacon-wrapped meatloaf with barbecue sauce to add a smoky, tangy finish.
11. Bake. Cook in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C).
12. Rest before serving. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Using turkey bacon reduces the fat content compared to traditional pork bacon.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain its juicy texture.
• You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or cheddar for variety.
• For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to the meat mixture.

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatloaf, bacon wrapped meatloaf, turkey bacon meatloaf, baked meatloaf recipe, cheesy meatloaf, comfort food, family dinner