Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Line a loaf pan with slices of bacon, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom and sides.
4. Press half of the meat mixture into the prepared pan over the bacon slices.
5. Create a well in the center of the meat mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheeses into this well.
6. Top with the rest of the meat mixture, pressing it down gently to seal in the cheese.
7. Carefully fold the bacon slices over the top to create a bacon lattice.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
9. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf!

Best ways to enjoy it

For a delightful meal, serve your meatloaf with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. Roasted vegetables or sweet corn complement the rich flavors beautifully, while a drizzle of gravy or a dollop of ketchup adds a touch of classic comfort. Don’t forget some crusty bread to help soak up all those delicious juices!

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers, store the meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for a quick warm-up, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

• For extra moisture, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the meat mixture.
• You can cook the bacon until partially crisp before wrapping the meatloaf, which will help ensure the bacon stays crispy even after baking.
• Using a meat thermometer is an excellent way to check for doneness without overcooking your meatloaf.

Creative twists

Feel free to play around with this recipe! You might try adding chopped herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh flavor, or even diced vegetables such as bell peppers or onions. For a spicy kick, consider mixing in some jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also experiment with different types of cheese; a smoky gouda or pepper jack could be amazing!

Common questions

What is the prep time for this meatloaf?

Preparation should take roughly 20-30 minutes, with about an hour of baking time.

Can I substitute the ground pork?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work as a leaner alternative, though you may miss some of the richness that pork provides.

How can I ensure my meatloaf doesn’t dry out?

Be sure not to overmix your meat mixture and consider adding some extra moisture, like a bit of extra milk or even a tablespoon of ketchup mixed in.

Is it safe to freeze meatloaf after baking?

Yes, freezing after baking is safe. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping and storing it, and don’t forget to label it for easy identification later!

This Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite. Packed with flavors, simple to prepare, and perfect for comforting gatherings, it’s a recipe that truly delivers pleasure on a plate. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf

A deliciously elevated meatloaf combining beef, pork, three types of cheese, and smoky bacon, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Eggs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 2 pieces eggs

Dairy and Grains

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Bacon

• 6 slices smoked bacon

Seasoning

• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Line a loaf pan with slices of bacon, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom and sides.
4. Press half of the meat mixture into the prepared pan over the bacon slices.
5. Create a well in the center of the meat mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheeses into this well.
6. Top with the rest of the meat mixture, pressing it down gently to seal in the cheese.
7. Carefully fold the bacon slices over the top to create a bacon lattice.

Cooking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
2. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Feel free to swap out the cheeses based on your personal taste. To enhance moisture, you may add Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to the meat mixture. For extra crispy bacon, partially cook the bacon before wrapping the meatloaf.