This Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. Juicy, well-seasoned beef surrounds a molten mozzarella center, all wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon. It’s hearty, indulgent, and perfect for family dinners, special weekends, or when you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.
Contents
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 4 large eggs
- 2 small onions, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup milk
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Stuffing
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
Wrapping & Garnish
- 10–12 slices bacon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan. - Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently with your hands until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender. - Shape the Meat
Place the mixture onto parchment paper and shape it into a flat rectangle about 1 inch thick. - Add the Mozzarella Filling
Arrange the mozzarella sticks lengthwise down the center of the meat rectangle, keeping them slightly away from the edges. - Roll & Seal
Carefully roll the meat around the cheese, sealing the sides and ends tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking. - Wrap with Bacon
Lay bacon slices slightly overlapping and wrap them around the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath for a secure wrap. - Bake
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). - Rest & Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Tips
- Use parchment paper to make rolling easier.
- Letting the meatloaf rest keeps the cheese from spilling out.
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Lean Option: Use a mix of ground beef and ground turkey.
- BBQ Twist: Brush bacon with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Pairings
- Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, garlic bread
- Salads: Caesar salad, mixed greens with vinaigrette
- Drinks: Sparkling water, iced tea, or a bold red wine (for adults)
⏱️ Quick Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
