Imagine this: a cozy evening filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling bacon and melting cheddar wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something truly comforting about the ease of making Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf, a dish that combines simplicity with indulgence.
As the ingredients meld together in the oven, transforming into a savory masterpiece, anticipation grows with each moment.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and enjoy a warm, delicious meal.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 skillet
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading Time:
- Allocate 5 minutes to read through the entire recipe and gather all ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation Time (20 minutes):
- Minute 1-5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Minute 6-10: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- Minute 11-15: Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.
- Minute 16-20: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, crumbled bacon, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
- Cooking Time (1 hour):
- Minute 21: Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan, shape it into a loaf, and place the loaf pan on a baking sheet.
- Minute 22: Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven.
- Minute 23-83: Allow the meatloaf to bake for 1 hour. If you choose to add a glaze, mix ketchup with a bit of brown sugar and brush it over the loaf halfway through the baking time (around Minute 53).
- Resting Time (10 minutes):
- Minute 84-93: Once the meatloaf is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, crumbled bacon, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect pairing for the hearty flavors of the meatloaf.
- Steamed Green Beans: Add a pop of color and a healthy side with lightly seasoned steamed green beans.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers complements the savory taste of the meatloaf.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Indulge in a classic comfort food duo with a side of cheesy, gooey macaroni and cheese.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy croutons can balance the richness of the meatloaf.
Storage
To store Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Then, place it in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to three months for ideal freshness.
Reheating
To reheat Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf, slice it into individual portions.
Cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Make certain it remains moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food.
With the addition of crispy bacon and gooey cheddar cheese, this dish offers a rich and savory flavor that’s certain to satisfy.
The combination of ground beef and pork guarantees a juicy and tender texture.
Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this meatloaf is both delicious and easy to prepare.
Be certain to let it rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, assuring every bite is flavorful and moist.
Enjoy this hearty meal with your favorite sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Make certain it’s well-seasoned to maintain flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly, as turkey cooks faster. Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safety and ideal texture.
What Can I Use as a Breadcrumb Alternative?
Consider using crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour as breadcrumb alternatives. Each option provides a unique texture and flavor. Adjust liquid ingredients accordingly to maintain balance. Monitor consistency closely to guarantee proper binding and ideal meatloaf structure.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Meatloaf?
To create a vegetarian version, replace ground beef and pork with lentils or chickpeas. Substitute bacon with smoked paprika for flavor. Use plant-based milk and eggs. Make certain to pack the mixture tightly for a firm loaf.
How Can I Make This Meatloaf Spicy?
To spice it up, incorporate 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños or add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the mixture. Alternatively, mix hot sauce with the ketchup glaze for an additional kick during baking.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Meatloaf Recipe?
You can incorporate vegetables by finely dicing bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Ascertain uniform size for even cooking. Sauté them briefly to release moisture, then integrate into the mixture. Adjust seasoning to maintain flavor balance.
Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, crumbled bacon, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
- Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Notes
