Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Cheese

Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Cheese

Irresistible bacon wrapped meatloaf with cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. This show-stopping meatloaf takes the classic family dinner and wraps it in crispy, smoky bacon, then stuffs the center with gooey, melted cheese. Every slice reveals a perfect spiral of bacon and a surprise pocket of cheesy goodness. It is juicy, flavorful, and dramatic enough for a holiday table yet simple enough for a Sunday supper. One bite, and you will never make plain meatloaf again.

Why This Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Works

The secret to this meatloaf is the bacon weave. Wrapping the entire loaf in a lattice of bacon does more than add flavor. The bacon fat bastes the meatloaf as it cooks, keeping the interior exceptionally moist. The bacon also forms a protective barrier that prevents the meatloaf from drying out during the longer baking time. Placing the cheese in the center rather than mixing it throughout ensures each bite gets a distinct pocket of melted cheese rather than greasy, overcooked cheese bits. A blend of ground beef and ground pork provides the ideal fat content for juiciness without greasiness.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)

• 1/2 pound ground pork

• 12 slices bacon

• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. The rack allows bacon fat to drip away, keeping the bottom crispy.

Step 2: Make the Bacon Weave

Lay five slices of bacon vertically on a piece of parchment paper, close together but not overlapping. Fold back every other slice. Lay one horizontal slice across the vertical strips where the fold is. Unfold the folded strips, then fold back the opposite strips. Lay another horizontal slice. Repeat until you have a woven bacon lattice with five horizontal slices.

Step 3: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for five minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk. Add the ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, eggs, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, or the meatloaf will be dense.

Step 4: Form and Stuff

Shape half of the meat mixture into a loaf on top of the bacon weave. Create a shallow trench down the center. Place the cheese cubes into the trench. Top with the remaining meat mixture, shaping it into a uniform loaf and sealing the cheese completely inside.

Step 5: Wrap and Glaze

Wrap the bacon weave tightly around the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Brush half of the glaze over the bacon.

Step 6: Bake

Place the meatloaf on the wire rack. Bake for 45 minutes. Brush with the remaining glaze. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for ten minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly. Slice with a serrated knife to cut through the bacon cleanly. Serve warm.

Tips and Variations

Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or provolone instead of cheddar. Add cooked mushrooms or caramelized onions to the cheese pocket. Substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork, but add two tablespoons of olive oil for moisture. Leftover meatloaf makes incredible sandwiches. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat slices in a skillet to re-crisp the bacon. Do not microwave, as the bacon becomes chewy. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the cheese pocket and use pepper jack cheese.