Bacon wrapped meatloaf is tender, juicy, and bursting with bold flavors! Make this recipe tonight with fresh ingredients and pantry staples.
Cheese stuffed meatloaf wrapped in bacon and smothered in a delicious brown sugar ketchup glaze is the ultimate comfort food meal.
Plus, the combination of flavors tastes just like your favorite bacon double cheeseburger!
If you want rich, smoky flavor without adding bacon, try this smoked version instead. It’s crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and has plenty of heat from chopped chiles in adobo.
You can also make Mini Meatloaf Cups or Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf Meatballs for poppable bites that are perfect for party appetizers or a casual meal.
Both are ready in about 30 minutes and are freezer-friendly too.
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf - Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Use lean ground beef. Anything higher than 90% will work great. If you use a fattier ratio, reduce the amount of milk.
- Mix gently. Overworking the meat will cause it to become tough, so mix just until everything is combined. It also helps to beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.
- Want a smooth exterior? Run your hands under warm water or coat them with olive oil before smoothing the loaf the last time.
- Avoid thick-cut bacon. This takes longer to crisp up in the oven, so stick with regular slices without too much added flavor or seasoning.
- Feeding a crowd? You can easily make a larger bacon wrapped meatloaf, but it will take a bit longer to cook.
Cheese Substitutions
Whatever variety you choose, skip the prebagged shreds since those contain an additive that keeps the cheese from melting properly.
Mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and Colby all have a milder flavor.
For something bolder, choose Gouda, Havarti, Muenster, or Pepper Jack.
What You Will Need For This Recipe
- Baking Dish - One of my absolute favorites! I’ve been using this simple, durable pan for years, and it never disappoints.
- Mixing Bowls - I like a variety of mixing bowls and prep bowls and this set has them all.
- Cheese Grater - As much as I love buying shredded cheese because I'm lazy, freshly grated cheese melts down so much better.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning - An incredible blend that adds bold flavor to any recipe.
FAQ - Common Recipe Questions
What should I serve with stuffed meatloaf?The possibilities are endless! Serve it with potato salad and corn on the cob in the warmer months or stick with classic mashed potatoes in the winter.
For a lighter option, try a green salad or some steamed vegetables instead.
Should meat loaf be cooked covered or uncovered?
It really depends on the recipe. I typically cook this one uncovered, but if the bacon gets too crispy you can add some aluminum foil on top.
Why does my meat loaf fall apart?Make sure to use enough binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs, because this is what helps the meat stick together.
Also, don’t overcook it! When ground meat is overdone, it becomes crumbly and won’t hold its shape when sliced.
Enjoy!
With love from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe Video
To see us make the recipe from start to finish, watch the video at the top of this post.
Yield: 4-6

Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Bacon wrapped meatloaf is tender, juicy, and bursting with bold flavors! Make this recipe tonight with fresh ingredients and pantry staples.
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 15 M
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean beef
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons ketchup, divided
- 1 tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 pound bacon, uncooked
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl combine beef, bread crumbs and milk. Pouring milk directly over bread crumbs. Add 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire and steak seasoning. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, crack egg and beat it slightly. This helps prevent overworking the meat while combining, resulting in a tougher meatloaf. Add egg to large bowl with meat mixture. Combine well with hands, do not overwork the meat mixture.
- Gently press meatloaf into bowl and divide in half. Place first half into 7"x10” (or larger) baking dish and form into a flat meatloaf Gently press the center in to create a rim around the outside of the meatloaf. Add shredded cheese into the center of the meatloaf.
- Form remaining half of meatloaf in the bowl into a size similar to the meatloaf in the pan. Set op top and press the sides together to seal in the cheese. Form into a loaf shape about 1½ - 2” tall.
- You may notice cracks in the loaf. Run your hands under warm water and then across the meatloaf to smooth the cracks out. Set meatloaf aside.
- In a small bowl combine 4 tablespoons ketchup and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Mix well with a fork. Apply glaze evenly all over your meatloaf (except the bottom).
- Arrange bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf. Start by wrapping a piece of bacon across the front side and a second piece of bacon across the back side. Arrange remaining bacon over the top. Tuck the ends of the bacon under the meatloaf (this prevents curling).
- Place meatloaf in the oven and bake until bacon is crispy, about 1 hour.
- Remove from oven. Allow to rest uncovered for 20 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Originally published April 2014, updated and republished February 2021
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I need to know the calories and nutrition information per serving. Looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteYou can use CalorieKing.com and enter the ingredients you use to get the nutritional facts. Enjoy!
DeleteThis isn't exactly packed with much nutritional value. You getting protein from the burger, calcium and vitamin D. I'm not trying to cause a war of words or cause an argument. I'm simply saying, it sounds wonderful, if your a calorie or fat content conscious person, it means it's bad for you. You could make it with turkey or soy burger, Turkey bacon and use a low fat cheese. That would still be yummy and healthier. I would however love to taste this, it sounds so good!
DeleteThen feel free not to eat it...Donna didn't claim it was diet food, just delicious!
DeleteParty Pooper, Anonymous!!! You could spend years building up your own food blog and then post whatever recipes you want. Personally, I feel about your version the way you feel about Donna's! So, there! To each his own, right?
DeleteWell Anonymous number 1, or aka Debbie Downer, I for one like good food and if I wanted something that was so health conscious, that's the kind of site I would be on...you have a wonderful day sweetheart... I am only Anonymous myself because I didn't want to sign up for anything else, Facebook was not listed
DeleteYou eat what you like and we'll eat what we like. Soy burger??? Yuk!!!
DeleteAnonymous wasn't trying to start anything, she was giving us options, don't be haters.
DeleteMaking this right now!
DeleteMaking this right now! Hamburger, cheese and BACON!
Deleteif you need to know the nutritional value then you don't need it
DeleteIf the nutritional value of this recipe is so important to you....why are you looking at meat loaf anyway?????? Keep your negativity to yourself. Let the rest of us enjoy our meal.
DeleteI was planning on making meatloaf tonight for dinner. I just found a new way to dazzle the family...Thanks!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy! Let us know how it goes if you get a chance to try it.
DeleteSour cream and mushrooms in the well is also yummy!
DeleteI will use the sour cream and mushrooms and maybe a small amount of cheese
DeleteI just wanted to say that I absolutely LOVE your website and all of your recipes. Out of all of the other recipe websites out there that I have tried. You have one of the BEST that I have ever found, hands down. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteAm I just not seeing it or did you forget to mention what to do with the ketchup/Worcestershire/steak seasoning mixture? I see no mention of it after "Set aside".
ReplyDeleteAre you speaking of "Add 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire and steak seasoning"? That is directing you to ADD it to the meat mixture. Enjoy.
Deletehalf ketchup and brown sugar go in meat mixture and the ot her half is the glaze for top the worchesterr goes in meat mixture, shows in my recipe I tried this and it is the bomb
DeleteIt tells you to add the steak spice, ketchup and Worcestershire to the meat mixture and then set that aside. You've misread it.
DeleteWhat would be a good side dish to go along with this?
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking. The side dish possibilities are endless. You can go with an indoor 'bbq' summer theme and serve it with corn on the cob, potato salad and such or lighten the meal up with a salad and broccoli. I love it either way. Enjoy!
DeleteI did potatoe salad something cold and crunch
DeleteMashed potatoes, green beans ... So so matchmakers...
DeleteThis looks so delicious! I am trying out this recipe to go along with a corn and chickpea fiesta salad and sweet potato fries with Sriracha lime mayo. Can't wait to eat this meatloaf. It smells so good already! Thank you for sharing. Cara in Washington
DeleteAwesome meatloaf. I love bacon on top of mine. I can't do the tomato/ketchup, but could easily exclude that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...pinning it!
Made this tonight with Montreal Spicy Steak Seasoning, Boar's Head 3-Pepper Colby Jack and Jalapeño Bacon. Really good! Took about 1 hr 15 min to cook.
ReplyDeleteMade this tonight for my family and they loved it
ReplyDeleteMade this tonight and it was delicious! Was hoping for leftovers for lunch, but my family made sure that was not going to happen!
ReplyDeleteIts in the oven now! Can't wait to try it!
ReplyDeleteGoing in the over soon...do you bake this covered? It states to allow to rest uncovered for 20 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI cook it uncovered, but if the bacon gets too crispy add some aluminum foil. Enjoy and let us know how it goes!
DeleteMeatloaf is my husband's weakness. I surprised him with this recipe last week, and I believe he fell in love with me all over again. So thank you :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a keeper!!! I made it for dinner tonight; it did not taste like a typical meatloaf. It was flavorful and moist. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeletecan I do a larger one or do 2 small?
ReplyDeleteSure can. Just watch your cook time.
DeleteEnjoy and let us know how it goes.
I doubled recipe and it took only another maybe 8 min
DeleteCan I use parmesan cheese or almond meal instead of bread crumbs
ReplyDeleteYes, but keep in mind to work it gently (do not over work it) It may make the loaf more dense. I have also substituted crushed Rice Chex. Let us know how it goes. Enjoy!
Deletelooks delicious... I may pay later... but the only thing it was missing was onions... I'm a fan, so I diced some, softened them in some bacon grease, blotted and added to the cheese...gotta have a vegi ;-) I'll let you know how my guests liked it ;-) I tried a different stuffed one and was told it was the best I'd made...also one from here. I had one bad experience with a meatloaf I'm still trying to live down!
DeleteI've made this or years. I changed it up a bit & used Italian seasonings. Delicious!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks delicious im foing to try this tonight I cant wait
ReplyDeleteEnjoy and let us know how it goes!
DeleteWith a little bit of tweaking (bread crumbs and brown sugar), this could be a great low carb dish! :)
ReplyDeletePEOPLE, TRY TO MAKE IT BIGGER IN DIAMETER AND, WHEN READY, SLICE IT 1" THICK FOR A PERFECT BURGER PATTIE. GRILL THICK (1/2") RIPE TOMATO SLICES WITH PESTO. THEN PLACE THE MEATLOAF SLICES ON A COOKIE SHEET WITH THE TOMATO SLICE ON TOP AND MIX SHREDDED MOZZARELLA, CHEDDAR AND PARM, PUT ON TO AND BROIL TO PERFECTION. YOUR GUESTS WILL DIE FOR A BURGER LIKE THIS!
ReplyDeleteSilly question but what cheese works best please x
ReplyDeleteCan I use oatmeal instead of panko crumbs? That's usually what I use in my meatloaf and all I have on hand.
ReplyDeleteWe used half bread and half oatmeal bc I did not have enough bread crumbs. I think it would be fine. The breadcrumbs really added to it tho, never had meatloaf this way.
DeleteHow many servings does it make
ReplyDeleteOMG I love this!So much that I'm making it a 2nd time today. My daughter said it was a little spicy. I used seasoned panko bread crumbs so I'm decreasing the Montreal steak seasoning this time. Still so good!
ReplyDeleteI'd eat it, but at the same time I'd be thinking that the photo of the meatloaf is probably just like what my arteries look like, lol...
ReplyDeleteMade this to tonight and it was very good. My family enjoyed it! Not much more work than my usual meatloaf either. I did add a grated onion to the mixture as I love onion. I also broiled it at the end to crisp up the bacon more. I let it sit for 15 minutes before cutting it and was pleased with how nicely it cut. Will make this again.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing the meatloaf tomorrow, sounds & looks amazing! Now I'm only making it for two people, how would you change the recipe & cook time for that?
ReplyDeleteGosh, this looks good. Only problem is that I am on a Doctor ordered dairy free diet. Oh well !!!
ReplyDeleteOMGEEEEEE! !! I made this tonight with 4 cheese mashed taters and a side of veggies. ..Sooo Good!!! Mmmm...will definitely make again! It's as yummy as buffalo chicken meatloaf I found! 😉
ReplyDeleteMaking this for Father's day tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteOur new favorite meatloaf recipe. So delicious!
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy you enjoyed it Erin! Thank you!
DeleteEver since I made it the first time, this is the only meatloaf my husband wants me to make.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear Sarah!!! It is definitely one of my favorites!
DeleteMade this several times, and it is so delicus. Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! We are so happy you enjoyed it!
DeleteI'm definitely trying this soon thank you very much for posting
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim! Let us know how it goes!
DeleteI made this tonight and let me tell you that I will never make meatloaf any other way! The family LOVED it! The sauce complimented the bacon so well along with all the juices that had soaked into the meat while cooking, it was fiya!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!!! We are so happy you enjoyed it!!!
DeleteCan this be done without the milk
ReplyDeleteThe meat loaf was cooked through and tasty but the sides of the bacon didn’t cook. What did I do wrong? Also some of the cheese leaked out. The taste was fantastic though!
ReplyDeleteIt's in the oven right now. I was distracted and forgot the glaze. I'm going to brush it on top of the bacon during the last 20 minutes. Cross your fingers.
ReplyDeleteI got some mince out the freezer to use for dinner tonight. Had no idea what i was making when asked. I said, not sure, patties, meatballs maybe even meatloaf. It was settled there and then...."oh good, you can make that yummy bacon stuffed cheese one"
ReplyDeleteHis is an awesome recipe and tasty!!! Ive made it several timea over the years and love it.
Sounds delicious!! Low carb??
ReplyDeleteI add onion to the meat and mushrooms to the cheese. Amazing my family absolutely loves it!
ReplyDelete