Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe
Introduction
This mozzarella stuffed bacon wrapped meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. Juicy ground beef mixed with parmesan and spices surrounds a gooey mozzarella center, all wrapped in savory turkey bacon. It’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner that’s sure to impress.
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 ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Add the beaten eggs and mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Step 4: On a piece of parchment paper, flatten a portion of the meat mixture into a rectangle shape.
- Step 5: Spread the shredded mozzarella down the center of the meat rectangle.
- Step 6: Fold the meat over the cheese, sealing it completely to enclose the mozzarella inside.
- Step 7: Wrap the shaped meatloaf in overlapping slices of turkey bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Step 8: Place the wrapped meatloaf into a greased baking dish.
- Step 9: Brush the top with barbecue sauce if desired for extra flavor and a glossy finish.
- Step 10: Bake for 60-70 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Step 11: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner option or traditional pork bacon for extra richness.
- If you prefer a spicier meatloaf, add 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- For a smoky flavor, swap barbecue sauce with a smoky chipotle sauce or your favorite glaze.
- Make smaller individual meatloaf portions using muffin tins for easy serving and faster cooking.
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 wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap 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 pork bacon can be used and will add a richer flavor. Just be mindful that it may render more fat during cooking.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the center; it should read 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
PrintMozzarella Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe
This Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf combines juicy ground beef mixed with parmesan and spices, stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese, and wrapped in smoky turkey bacon. Baked to perfection and brushed with tangy barbecue sauce, it’s a flavorful and hearty main dish perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main 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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully heat up, ensuring an even cooking temperature for the meatloaf.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the meat.
- Add eggs and bind: Beat the eggs and add them to the meat mixture, using your hands to gently combine everything until just mixed without overworking the meat, which will keep the meatloaf tender.
- Form the meat rectangle: Lay out a sheet of parchment paper and flatten a portion of the meat mixture into a rectangular shape large enough to hold the cheese filling.
- Add mozzarella stuffing: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly down the center of the rectangular meat base, preparing to encase it fully.
- Encapsulate the cheese: Carefully fold the sides of the meat over the cheese, sealing it inside completely to prevent the cheese from escaping during baking.
- Wrap with turkey bacon: Lay overlapping slices of turkey bacon around the meatloaf, fully covering it. Use toothpicks if necessary to secure the bacon ends and keep the wrapping intact.
- Place in baking dish: Transfer the wrapped meatloaf to a greased baking dish to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Apply barbecue sauce: Brush the top of the bacon-wrapped meatloaf with barbecue sauce to add a tangy glaze and enhance flavor.
- Bake the meatloaf: Cook in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest before slicing: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, making slicing easier and the meat juicy.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for safe cooking.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps to retain moisture.
- Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional bacon but still provides smoky flavor.
- You can substitute the barbecue sauce with your favorite glaze or omit it if preferred.
- If you want a crisper bacon texture, broil the meatloaf for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatloaf, bacon wrapped meatloaf, turkey bacon meatloaf, baked meatloaf recipe, cheesy meatloaf
