Irresistible BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf: A Family Favorite! 🍖🧀🥓
1. Introduction
Welcome to your next favorite dinner! The BBQ bacon cheddar meatloaf recipe combines savory flavors with smoky bacon and rich cheddar cheese, creating a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re impressing guests or serving a cozy family meal, this homemade BBQ meatloaf is guaranteed to delight everyone’s taste buds. Its perfect blend of tender meat, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese makes it a standout option for any occasion.
2. Ingredients for the Best Meatloaf with Bacon and Cheese
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for glazing
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf
Preparing the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.
Adding the Cheddar and Bacon
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon. These ingredients add richness and texture to the meatloaf, elevating its flavor profile.
Shaping and Baking the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Brush the top generously with BBQ sauce for a delicious glaze. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Finishing Touches
Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the top for extra flavor and presentation.
4. Storage Tips for This Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven or microwave until warmed through. For extended storage, you can freeze slices individually and thaw as needed.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best Meatloaf with Bacon and Cheese
This savory meatloaf pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with our healthy broccoli pasta or stuffed peppers. Its bold flavors also complement coleslaw or baked beans for a satisfying family dinner.
6. FAQs About This BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf Recipe
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, you can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Ensure you cook it thoroughly, and adjust cooking time as necessary.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese provides a classic flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for different taste profiles.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The entire process, including preparation and baking, takes about 1 hour. The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and baking is about 50-60 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are suitable for specific dietary needs.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Perfect for baking and preparing dishes with ease, ensuring even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Makes chopping vegetables like onions and garlic quick and safe, saving you prep time.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Ideal for cooling drinks or preparing beverages to complement your meal.
8. Final tips for the perfect BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf
Use high-quality bacon and cheese for the best flavor. Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender. Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or favorite herbs for an extra flavor boost.
9. Conclusion
Now that you have the ultimate BBQ bacon cheddar meatloaf recipe, it’s time to bring this mouthwatering dish to your dinner table. Its savory, cheesy, and smoky flavors make it a perennial family favorite and a crowd-pleaser. For more delectable recipes, explore our homestyle meatloaf or try our easy meatball nirvana. Happy cooking!
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Irresistible BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf: A Family Favorite!
Discover the irresistible BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf, a hearty family favorite combining smoky bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and savory ground beef. Perfectly baked and glazed with BBQ sauce, this homemade meatloaf is ideal for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests. Its rich flavors and indulgent textures make it a standout dish that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for glazing
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon to add richness and texture.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking sheet. Brush generously with BBQ sauce.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use high-quality cheddar or experiment with other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Ensure breadcrumbs are gluten-free if necessary.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
