Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

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🧀🥓 Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

📖 Description

Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a hearty, comfort-food classic elevated with a gooey cheese center and a smoky bacon exterior. Juicy seasoned ground meat surrounds melted mozzarella, while crispy bacon locks in moisture and adds rich flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you want a satisfying, indulgent meal.

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 60–70 minutes

  • Rest Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes

🍽️ Servings

6 servings

🧾 Ingredients

Meatloaf

  • 2 lbs ground meat (80/20 beef or beef/pork blend)

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup milk

  • ¼ cup ketchup

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp onion powder

Filling

  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese (block or sticks, cut into strips)

Topping

  • 10–12 slices bacon

  • ¼ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce (optional glaze)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.

  2. Mix meatloaf base: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix gently until just combined.

  3. Shape & stuff: On parchment, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.

  4. Add cheese: Place mozzarella strips lengthwise down the center.

  5. Roll: Carefully roll the meat around the cheese, sealing the edges to form a loaf.

  6. Wrap with bacon: Lay bacon slices slightly overlapping and wrap them around the loaf.

  7. Glaze (optional): Brush with ketchup or BBQ sauce.

  8. Bake: Cook uncovered for 60–70 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  9. Rest: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep the cheese from spilling out.

🔥 Tips for Best Results

  • Don’t overmix the meat or the loaf will be dense

  • Chill the stuffed loaf for 10 minutes before baking to help it hold shape

  • Use low-moisture mozzarella for less cheese leakage

  • For crispier bacon, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end

  • Use a rack over the baking sheet to let grease drip away

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 520 kcal

  • Protein: 36 g

  • Fat: 38 g

  • Saturated Fat: 14 g

  • Carbohydrates: 12 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sugar: 4 g

  • Sodium: 920 mg

💪 Health & Nutritional Benefits

  • High Protein: Supports muscle growth and satiety

  • Calcium from Mozzarella: Supports bone health

  • Iron & B Vitamins: From beef, aiding energy production

  • Low Carb Friendly: Can be adapted for keto or low-carb diets

(Enjoy in moderation due to higher fat and sodium content.)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Freeze uncooked or cooked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Q: What cheese works besides mozzarella?
A: Cheddar, provolone, pepper jack, or Swiss all work well.

Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Use ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon.

Q: How do I keep cheese from leaking out?
A: Fully seal the meat edges and avoid overstuffing.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Green salad with vinaigrette

  • Garlic bread

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