Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf fans, get ready for a juicy and flavorful meal! Imagine tender ground beef stuffed with gooey mozzarella and wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is easy enough for beginners and experienced cooks alike. You can find more bacon-wrapped ideas like bacon-wrapped asparagus or bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts to try alongside.
How to make Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped
Ingredients:
- 680 grams ground beef
- 100 grams dry breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 120 milliliters whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 150 grams mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 8 to 10 strips smoked bacon
- 120 milliliters ketchup-style sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Set the oven temperature to 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet or in the pan. Place mozzarella evenly along the center, then cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing all edges to enclose the cheese.
- Arrange bacon strips slightly overlapping on a clean surface. Position the meatloaf on top and wrap the bacon around, tucking ends underneath for a secure fit.
- Mix the ketchup-style sauce with brown sugar if desired. Brush the glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped loaf.
- Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes until cooked through and bacon is crispy. To add extra caramelization, you can broil it for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. If you like, garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
How to serve Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped
This dish can be served hot, straight from the oven, and it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, salad, or steamed vegetables. It can also be enjoyed in a sandwich or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. The juicy meatloaf and crispy bacon make for a hearty meal. For more delicious ways to prepare chicken, check out this recipe for bacon-wrapped garlic parmesan chicken.
How to store Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped
If you have leftovers, allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to make Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped
- Choose high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different kinds of cheese if you want to switch things up.
- Make sure to seal the edges well when enclosing the cheese to prevent leaks during baking.
Variation
You can add various vegetables like chopped bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition. This makes the dish more colorful and even more delicious.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just adjust the cooking times as leaner meats may cook faster.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf and wrap it in bacon, then refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.
What can I serve with this dish?
Sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad work great.
Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 680 grams ground beef Choose high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
- 100 grams dry breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 120 milliliters whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- 150 grams mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded You can experiment with different kinds of cheese.
- 8 to 10 strips smoked bacon
Bacon Glaze
- 120 milliliters ketchup-style sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional) Use for added sweetness if desired.
For Garnish
- to taste chopped parsley For garnish, optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Set the oven temperature to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet or in the pan. Place mozzarella evenly along the center, then cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing all edges to enclose the cheese.
- Arrange bacon strips slightly overlapping on a clean surface. Position the meatloaf on top and wrap the bacon around, tucking ends underneath for a secure fit.
- Mix the ketchup-style sauce with brown sugar if desired. Brush the glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped loaf.
- Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes until cooked through and bacon is crispy. To add extra caramelization, you can broil it for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. If you like, garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
