Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
2 lbs ground beef, preferably 80/20
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Filling
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Bacon
10–12 slices bacon, thinly sliced
For the Glaze
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For Garnishing
Fresh chopped parsley
A little black pepper
Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
   Gently mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, because this can make the meatloaf dense.
2. Shape the Meatloaf
   Place a large sheet of parchment paper on your counter.
   Transfer the meat mixture onto the parchment paper and shape it into a large rectangular layer, about ½–¾ inch thick.
   Try to keep the thickness even so the meatloaf cooks evenly.
3. Add the Cheese
   Spread the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the center of the meat mixture.
   Leave a small border around the edges so the cheese stays inside when you roll the meatloaf.
4. Roll It
   Carefully use the parchment paper to help roll the meatloaf into a tight log.
   Pinch the edges and seams together gently so the cheese stays sealed inside.
5. Wrap With Bacon
   Lay the bacon slices across the meatloaf, slightly overlapping each slice.
   Make sure the entire meatloaf is covered with bacon.
   Carefully transfer the bacon-wrapped meatloaf onto a baking sheet or into a lightly greased baking dish, keeping the seam underneath.
6. Make the Glaze
   In a small bowl, mix together:
   Ketchup
   Brown sugar
   Worcestershire sauce
   Barbecue sauce
   Yellow mustard
   Smoked paprika
   Stir until smooth.
7. Bake
   Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50–65 minutes, depending on its size and thickness.
   When the bacon begins to brown, brush the top generously with the glaze.
   Continue baking until the bacon is beautifully caramelized and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Add More Glaze
   During the final 10–15 minutes, brush another layer of glaze over the top.
   This gives the meatloaf that beautiful glossy, sticky finish.
   If you want the bacon extra crispy, you can place it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
9. Let It Rest
   Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
   This step is important because it allows the juices to redistribute and gives the melted cheese time to settle.
10. Slice and Serve
    Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the meatloaf into thick slices.
    The inside should be juicy and tender, with melted cheese running through the center and crispy bacon wrapped around the outside.
    Garnish with a little fresh parsley and black pepper.
    Serving Suggestion
    Serve it warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, corn, or a fresh salad.
    The combination of juicy seasoned beef, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
    Pro tip: For the cleanest slices, let the meatloaf rest before cutting, then use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.