Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1½ lb ground beef (or beef blend)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Filling
- 1½ cups mozzarella-style cheese, sliced or shredded
Wrap & Topping
- 8–10 bacon strips
- ½ cup ketchup-style sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Silicone brush or spoon for glaze
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
One of the best things about Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is how flexible it is:
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack
- Use ground turkey or a beef/pork blend
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture
- Try BBQ sauce instead of ketchup-style sauce
- Skip brown sugar for a less sweet topping
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Step by Step
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Make the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
3. Stuff the Meatloaf
Press half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape.
Add mozzarella evenly down the center.
Top with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges well so the cheese stays inside.
4. Wrap with Bacon
Lay bacon strips slightly overlapping on a clean surface.
Place the meatloaf on top and wrap bacon around it, tucking the ends underneath.
5. Add the Topping
Mix ketchup-style sauce with brown sugar if using.
Brush generously over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, until cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
What to Serve with Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
This dish pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides:
- Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Buttered corn or glazed carrots
- A fresh green salad
Tips for the Best Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- Use cold cheese—it melts more slowly and stays centered
- Don’t overmix the meat
- Overlap bacon slightly to avoid gaps
- Let it rest before slicing to keep the juices inside
- If bacon browns too fast, loosely tent with foil
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through or microwave slices gently
