The smell of smoky bacon and melty cheese hits you right away. The meatloaf stays juicy, and that gooey mozzarella inside makes every slice special.
I made this on a chilly evening, and it felt like the perfect cozy dinner. My family kept going back for seconds, and I loved seeing their faces light up with each bite.
Now it’s your turn. This Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is hearty, fun, and so simple to bring to the table. Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love the cheese surprise inside
- Juicy and Flavorful: The bacon keeps the meatloaf moist while adding smoky flavor
- Perfect for Dinner: A complete meal that feeds the whole family
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare early in the day and bake when ready
- Great for Leftovers: Makes amazing sandwiches the next day
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time: Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: About an hour
Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people as a main dish. Perfect for family dinners or when you have guests.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for special occasions.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious comfort food dish:
For the Meatloaf:
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together
- Breadcrumbs: Keep the meatloaf tender and prevent it from falling apart
- Onion: Adds flavor and moisture when finely diced
- Green Pepper: Provides color and fresh taste
- Yellow Mustard: Gives a tangy kick to the meat mixture
- Dried Parsley: Adds herbal freshness
- Garlic Powder: Essential for savory depth
- Paprika: Brings mild sweetness and color
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste
For the Stuffing and Wrapping:
- Bacon: Wraps around the meatloaf for crispy, smoky goodness
- Mozzarella Cheese: The melty surprise that makes every bite special
- Barbecue Sauce: Glazes the top for extra flavor
Variations for Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- Add Italian Herbs: Mix in dried oregano and basil for Italian flavor
- Use Different Cheese: Try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack instead of mozzarella
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture
- Try Turkey: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version
- Add Vegetables: Mix in finely diced carrots or celery for extra nutrition
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Dice the onion and green pepper finely. Cut the mozzarella cheese into thick slices or cubes.
2. Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, diced onion, green pepper, yellow mustard, dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Shape and Stuff the Meatloaf
Take half the meat mixture and press it into the bottom of your loaf pan. Make a well down the center and add the mozzarella cheese. Cover with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges well.
4. Wrap with Bacon
Carefully remove the shaped meatloaf from the pan and wrap it completely with bacon slices. Place the wrapped meatloaf back in the pan or on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and brush the top with barbecue sauce. Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Rest and Slice
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
This hearty meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic comfort food sides:
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes are the perfect base for meatloaf slices
- With Green Vegetables: Serve with green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
- With Bread: Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread complete the meal
- As Sandwiches: Leftover slices make great sandwiches with mayo and lettuce
- With Salad: A simple green salad balances the richness
Storing Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- Raw Meatloaf: Shape and wrap, then refrigerate up to 1 day before baking
- Cooked Meatloaf: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Do not overmix the meat mixture as this makes the meatloaf tough
- Make sure to seal the edges well so the cheese doesn’t leak out
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – 160°F is perfect
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent the cheese from oozing out
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal
- Save some barbecue sauce for serving alongside the meatloaf
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
Values are approximate and based on 8 servings.
PrintMozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish/Comfort Food
Ingredients
2 pounds (900g) ground beef (80/20)
2 large eggs
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8–10 slices bacon
8 ounces (225g) mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
Prep Oven and Ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice onion and green pepper finely. Slice mozzarella cheese.
Mix Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, green pepper, mustard, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape and Stuff: Press half the meat mixture into a 9×5 loaf pan. Create a well in the center and add mozzarella. Cover with remaining meat and seal edges.
Wrap with Bacon: Remove meatloaf from pan and wrap completely with bacon slices. Return to pan or place on lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 35 minutes. Brush with barbecue sauce and bake 10-15 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to settle.
Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf FAQs
A: Yes, you can shape and wrap the meatloaf up to 1 day before baking. Just cover and refrigerate.
A: You can shape the meatloaf by hand and place it on a lined baking sheet.
A: Use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 160°F.
A: Yes, wrap individual slices well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf brings together all the best comfort food flavors in one amazing dish. The combination of juicy beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon makes every bite special. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at dinner, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.
