🥓🧀 Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Meatloaf

Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
2 lb (900 g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
¾ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
For the filling:
8–10 slices bacon, cooked until lightly crispy
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4–6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
½ tsp smoked paprika
For the outside:
10–12 slices bacon
½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp barbecue sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the meat mixture
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
   Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly combined. Do not overmix, or the meatloaf can become dense.
2. Shape the meatloaf
   Place a large sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. Spread the meat mixture into a large rectangular layer about ½–¾ inch thick.
   Leave a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t escape when you roll it.
3. Add the filling
   Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the meat.
   Add the chopped cooked bacon and arrange additional bacon slices over the cheese.
4. Roll it up
   Carefully roll the meatloaf into a tight log, using the parchment paper to help you.
   Pinch the edges and ends together to completely seal the filling inside. Make sure there are no large openings where the cheese can escape.
5. Wrap with bacon
   Place the bacon slices across the outside of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping each slice.
   Tuck the ends underneath the loaf so the bacon stays in place while baking.
6. Make the glaze
   In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
   Brush about half of the glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
7. Bake
   Place the meatloaf on a lined baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 50–65 minutes, depending on the thickness.
   Brush with the remaining glaze during the final 15 minutes of baking.
   The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Rest before slicing
   Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
   This step is important because it allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the melted cheese inside when you slice it.
9. Slice and serve 🔪🧀
   Using a sharp knife, cut the meatloaf into thick slices.
   Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melted. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy beef, smoky flavor, and gooey cheese makes every slice incredibly satisfying.
   🍽️ Serving Suggestions
   Serve with:
   Creamy mashed potatoes
   Roasted vegetables
   Mac and cheese
   Buttered corn
   Green beans
   A simple garden salad
   Pro tip: For the most dramatic presentation, slice the meatloaf while it’s still warm and let the melted cheese stretch naturally between the layers.