Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Meatloaf
This bacon-wrapped stuffed meatloaf is packed with seasoned ground meat and a gooey, cheesy center, then wrapped in crispy caramelized bacon and finished with a sweet-savory glaze. It makes an impressive family dinner and slices beautifully when rested before serving.
🛒 Ingredients
For the meatloaf
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the cheesy filling
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the bacon & glaze
- 10–12 slices bacon
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix gently until just combined.
- Make the filling: Mix the mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, and parsley together in a separate bowl.
- Place a large sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. Press about two-thirds of the meat mixture into a rectangle approximately 10 × 12 inches.
- Spoon the cheese mixture down the center, leaving space around the edges.
- Carefully place the remaining meat mixture over the filling. Pinch and seal the edges completely so the cheese stays inside during baking.
- Arrange bacon slices over the outside of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping each slice.
- Prepare the glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
- Brush about half of the glaze over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
- Place on a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 60–75 minutes, depending on size.
- Brush with the remaining glaze during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
- For an extra caramelized bacon finish, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the melted cheese stay inside instead of running out immediately.
🔥 Tips for the Best Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix the ground beef or the meatloaf can become dense.
- Seal the cheese filling completely.
- Use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for a creamy, flavorful center.
- Resting the meatloaf is important for clean slices.
- For food safety, cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
🍽️ Serve With
Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, mac and cheese, corn, or a crisp garden salad make excellent sides.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
Resting: 10–15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
