Mozzarella-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

This Mozzarella-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of ground beef with the indulgence of melted mozzarella cheese, all enveloped in crispy bacon. The barbecue glaze adds a tangy finish, making each slice a delightful experience.

Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this meatloaf offers a comforting and satisfying meal. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete the plate. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to please everyone at the table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)

• 2 large eggs

• ⅔ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• ¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper (optional)

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon ground paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 9 ounces thin-cut bacon slices

• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced

• ½ cup barbecue sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (320°F for convection). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, then layer two-thirds of the bacon slices lengthwise, allowing some to overhang the sides.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, green pepper (if using), mustard, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

3. Shape two-thirds of the meat mixture into a long log and place it in the prepared loaf pan. Use your finger or a spoon to create a deep groove along the center. Fill this groove with the diced mozzarella cheese.

4. Top with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the cheese inside. Fold the overhanging bacon over the top and place the remaining bacon slices on top of the meatloaf.

5. Spread one-third of the barbecue sauce over the top of the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.

6. Bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, spread another third of the barbecue sauce over the top and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes.

7. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining barbecue sauce over the meatloaf. Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 419 kcal per serving
Servings: 8 servings

If there’s one dish that checks all the boxes for comfort, indulgence, and full-on flavor—it’s the Mozzarella-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf. This isn’t your grandmother’s traditional meatloaf (though we do love a good classic). This version elevates the everyday meatloaf into a stunning centerpiece with the irresistible duo of gooey melted mozzarella and crispy, smoky bacon. It’s hearty, cheesy, smoky, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or trying to impress your dinner guests, this meatloaf is your golden ticket.

Why This Meatloaf is a Standout

This meatloaf isn’t just about combining ingredients—it’s about layering textures and flavors in a way that delivers something new with every bite. The juicy, well-seasoned ground beef offers a savory base, the mozzarella center creates a luscious surprise when sliced, and the bacon wrapping crisps up beautifully in the oven, sealing in flavor while adding that signature smoky crunch.

Unlike traditional meatloaf that’s often topped with ketchup or a tomato glaze, this version uses barbecue sauce, enhancing the depth and complexity of each bite. The sweetness and tang of the barbecue sauce caramelize in the oven, complementing the saltiness of the bacon and the creaminess of the melted cheese inside. It’s a dish that plays with contrast in the best ways possible.

Perfect for Gatherings and Family Dinners

Mozzarella-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is the kind of dish that works for any occasion. On a weeknight, it’s the hearty, no-fuss dinner that brings the family to the table. On a weekend, it transforms into a dinner party showpiece, with layers of flavor that make it worthy of a holiday feast.

Its generous serving size means it feeds a crowd with ease, and it pairs beautifully with simple sides—think buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp green salad for balance. Leftovers reheat like a dream and can even be repurposed into sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day.

The Role of Bacon and Mozzarella: More Than Just Flavor

While bacon and mozzarella undoubtedly add indulgence to this dish, they also serve functional culinary purposes.

The bacon creates a protective layer around the meatloaf. As it cooks, the fat from the bacon bastes the meat, keeping it moist and juicy. The crisp edges also offer texture, ensuring you don’t end up with the dreaded “mushy meatloaf” that often haunts lesser recipes.

Meanwhile, the mozzarella offers contrast to the savory beef and smoky bacon. When tucked inside, it melts into a molten core that oozes slightly when sliced. This gives a visual wow factor and an extra layer of richness. The creaminess cuts through the robustness of the meat and adds a luxurious mouthfeel to every bite.

How to Customize It

One of the beautiful aspects of this recipe is how versatile it can be. While the base version uses ground beef, it’s easily adaptable for different diets and taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Meat Blend: Try mixing ground beef with ground pork or veal for more complex flavor and tenderness.
• Spice It Up: Add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or a spicy barbecue sauce for a kick.
• Go Italian: Use Italian seasoning and marinara instead of BBQ sauce, and swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina.
• Low Carb Option: Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make it keto-friendly.

Additionally, the cheese center can be varied. Mozzarella is loved for its stretchiness and mild flavor, but you could also use smoked gouda, cheddar, or even blue cheese for a bolder taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Despite being a relatively straightforward recipe, a few tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and nail the perfect meatloaf every time:

1. Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overworking the meat mixture can lead to a dense, rubbery texture. Mix until just combined for a tender loaf.
2. Seal the Cheese Properly: Be sure to fully enclose the mozzarella in meat to avoid leakage during baking.
3. Use a Loaf Pan with a Liner: Bacon releases fat, and the cheese can ooze. Lining your pan with parchment helps with cleanup and easy removal.
4. Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest after baking so the juices can redistribute. This ensures clean, juicy slices rather than a crumbly mess.

Nutritional Considerations

With 419 kcal per serving, this meatloaf is a hearty main dish. It offers a solid source of protein and fat, with moderate carbohydrates depending on your choice of breadcrumbs and barbecue sauce. For those on low-carb or keto diets, easy swaps can bring the carb count down significantly.

While this isn’t a “light” recipe, it’s a satisfying one, meaning a smaller portion goes a long way. The richness helps curb over-eating, and the ingredients are all whole-food based, without any ultra-processed fillers.

Making It Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Another reason to love this recipe: it’s make-ahead friendly. You can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. This not only saves time on busy evenings but allows the flavors to meld together more deeply.

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or in a skillet. For a crisp exterior, the oven or air fryer works beautifully. The dish also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pairing Suggestions

To create a well-balanced plate, here are some ideal pairings:

• Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes contrast the savory, cheesy meat.
• Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts: Add a green element and some crunch.
• Grain-Free Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb option.
• Buttery Cornbread or Garlic Bread: Great for sopping up any barbecue-glazed juices.

If you’re serving this dish for guests, consider offering a light appetizer (like a crisp salad or soup) and finishing with something tangy or citrusy for dessert to balance out the meal’s richness.

Conclusion: A New Classic for Your Table

Mozzarella-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf takes everything you love about traditional meatloaf and turns it up a notch. It’s meaty, cheesy, smoky, and saucy—all the makings of a true comfort food legend. Yet despite its indulgent appeal, it’s surprisingly easy to make and extremely versatile. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, hearty appetites, or curious foodies, this dish delivers satisfaction and a bit of drama with every slice.

Keep this recipe in your rotation for when you need to feed a crowd, make leftovers work for you, or simply treat yourself to something that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. With a few pantry staples and a love of bold flavors, you’re just one loaf away from meatloaf greatness.