Savory Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf

ByLovely Recipes

Introduction

This Savory Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy, tender ground beef is mixed with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and flavorful seasonings, then baked to perfection. Topped with a tangy glaze, this meatloaf is perfect for weeknight dinners or special family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich & Flavorful – Bacon and cheddar take classic meatloaf to the next level.
  • Juicy & Moist – The perfect texture with a deliciously crispy top.
  • Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • ½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme

For the Glaze:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
  2. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

  1. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
  2. Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
  2. After 30 minutes of baking, spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
  3. Return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

  1. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  2. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Tips for the Best Meatloaf

  • Use Freshly Cooked Bacon – Adds the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Overmix – Overworking the meat makes it dense and tough.
  • Let it Rest – Resting allows the juices to redistribute for a moist meatloaf.
  • Try Different Cheeses – Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze uncooked or cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

This Savory Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf is packed with bold flavors and a rich, cheesy bite in every slice. Serve it up for a cozy family dinner or make it ahead for easy meal prep. 🍽️🥓🧀