Dad's Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf

Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate

Who doesn't love a delicious, hearty meatloaf? And when you add in the crispy goodness of bacon and the gooey, melty deliciousness of cheese, you've got a winning combination.

Dad's Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf
Prep
20 min
Cook
1 hr 5 min
Total
1 hr 30 min
Servings
6

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of ketchup. Mix well.

  3. Add bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, oregano, basil, pepper, and onion to the mixture. Mix until well combined.

  4. Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan with bacon, widthwise.

  5. Spread half of the meat mixture on top of the bacon.

  6. Lay 3 pieces of Cheddar cheese lengthwise across the center of the meat.

  7. Cover the cheese with the remaining half of the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf.

  8. Pull the ends of the bacon up and around the loaf.

  9. Thinly spread 1 tablespoon of ketchup over the loaf.

  10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the center is no longer pink. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

  11. Remove from the oven.

  12. Cut the remaining piece of Cheddar cheese into slices and place them on top of the meatloaf.

  13. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

  14. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before serving.

About this recipe

Who doesn't love a delicious, hearty meatloaf? And when you add in the crispy goodness of bacon and the gooey, melty deliciousness of cheese, you've got a winning combination. Dad's Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf is a crowd-pleaser that will have your family begging for seconds.

Why is Dad's Meat Loaf the Best?

There's something special about Dad's meatloaf. Maybe it's the secret blend of spices he uses, or perhaps it's the love and care he puts into every bite. Whatever it is, this meatloaf is a cut above the rest. It's juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-cheesy.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked slice of meatloaf, only to have the savory taste of bacon and the creamy goodness of melted cheese burst onto your palate. It's like a party in your mouth!

The Secret to Dad's Meat Loaf

So, what's the secret to Dad's amazing meatloaf? It all starts with the quality of the ingredients. Dad uses only the freshest ground beef, mixed with a medley of aromatic herbs and spices. This combination creates a flavor profile that is out of this world.

But it doesn't stop there. Dad takes it a step further by wrapping the meatloaf in slices of smoky bacon. This not only adds a layer of richness and flavor but also helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

The Cheesy Surprise

And let's not forget about the cheese! Dad takes his meatloaf to the next level by adding a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese to the mix. As the meatloaf bakes, the cheese melts and creates pockets of gooey deliciousness throughout.

When you slice into Dad's meatloaf, you'll be greeted with a beautiful marbling of cheese running through each slice. It's like finding a hidden treasure in every bite.

In Conclusion

Dad's Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf is a game-changer when it comes to meatloaf. The combination of juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, and melty cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

So, why settle for an ordinary meatloaf when you can have Dad's extraordinary version? Give it a try and let your taste buds be the judge. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Dad's recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Of course! Dad's meatloaf is versatile, and you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

How long does it take to cook Dad's meatloaf?

The cooking time depends on the size of your meatloaf. As a general rule, bake it at 350째F (175째C) for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160째F (71째C).

Can I freeze Dad's meatloaf?

Definitely! Dad's meatloaf freezes well. After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for up to three months.

What should I serve with Dad's meatloaf?

Dad's meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. It's also delicious in a sandwich the next day!

Can I make Dad's meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great time-saving option for busy weeknights.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it may not melt as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese. For the best results, I recommend shredding your own cheese.

Can I add vegetables to Dad's meatloaf?

Definitely! Dad's meatloaf is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Finely chop or grate vegetables like carrots, onions, or bell peppers and mix them into the meatloaf mixture before baking.

Can I make mini meatloaves instead of one large loaf?

Absolutely! Dad's meatloaf recipe can easily be adapted to make individual mini meatloaves. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

More dinner

See all →