Savory Meatloaf with a Twist: A Bacon-Cheese Masterpiece
A Flavorful Combination
Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy meatloaf that tastes like a bacon cheeseburger, minus the bun. Sounds too good to be true? Think again! This mouthwatering recipe combines ground beef with sharp cheddar, grated onion, garlic, and ketchup, all wrapped up in a crispy bacon blanket.
The Perfect Blend of Ingredients
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of ground beef with a 15-20% fat content
- 1 medium yellow onion, grated and drained of excess liquid
- 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup of ketchup
- 1/4 cup of fine breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 7 thick-cut bacon slices
Easy Preparation, Impressive Results
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the bacon and mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the mixture! Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a 9-by-5-inch loaf.
The Bacon Wrap
Drape the bacon slices diagonally over the loaf, making sure to cover the entire surface. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the bacon starts to crisp and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Then, broil for an additional 3 minutes to get that bacon extra crispy.
Let it Rest, Then Devour
Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of homemade potato tots, if desired. This recipe yields 4-6 servings and can be ready in just 1 hour and 30 minutes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this savory, satisfying dish!
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