Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup That’ll Make You Famous at Dinner

There’s something magical about taking a classic comfort food and elevating it to showstopper status. This Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf does exactly that — transforming humble meatloaf into a dish so impressive, your family will think you’ve been secretly attending culinary school. Picture this: tender, perfectly seasoned ground beef wrapped around a molten core of gooey mozzarella cheese, all encased in a crispy bacon blanket and finished with a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s the kind of dish that makes people pause mid-bite and ask for the recipe.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at Sunday dinner or simply want to treat your family to something extraordinary on a weeknight, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with straightforward home cooking techniques. The best part? Despite its impressive appearance, this meatloaf comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings

Why This Recipe Works

Traditional meatloaf, while delicious, can sometimes be dense or dry. This version addresses those concerns with several clever techniques. The combination of eggs and milk creates moisture and helps bind the ingredients without making the texture heavy. The bacon wrap serves a dual purpose — it adds incredible flavor while also basting the meatloaf as it renders, keeping everything juicy and tender.

The mozzarella center creates a delightful surprise in every slice. As the meatloaf bakes, the cheese melts into creamy pockets that contrast beautifully with the savory meat. It’s like getting a built-in sauce with every bite.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Meatloaf:

• 1½ lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

For Stuffing & Wrap:

• 8 oz mozzarella cheese (block or string cheese)
• 10–12 slices bacon

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Ground Beef: The 80/20 ratio (80% lean, 20% fat) is crucial for flavor and moisture. Leaner beef will result in a drier meatloaf. If you prefer, you can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for even more richness.

Breadcrumbs: Plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs both work beautifully. In a pinch, crushed crackers or even oats can substitute. Panko breadcrumbs will give you a slightly lighter texture.

Mozzarella: Low-moisture mozzarella works best as it won’t release too much liquid during baking. String cheese is actually perfect for this recipe because it’s easy to arrange and portion. You can also use provolone or a mild cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works best. Thick-cut bacon can be harder to wrap and may not crisp up as nicely. If you’re watching sodium, look for reduced-sodium bacon options.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil — this will make cleanup infinitely easier and prevent sticking. If you prefer using a loaf pan, that works too, though a baking sheet allows the bacon to crisp up more evenly on all sides.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Here’s the key: mix until just combined. Overworking the meat will result in a tough, dense texture. Use your hands or a wooden spoon and stop as soon as everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff

This is where the magic happens. On a piece of parchment paper, press the meat mixture into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. The rectangle should be roughly 10 inches by 8 inches. Place your mozzarella cheese in a line down the center lengthwise. If you’re using string cheese, lay 4–5 sticks end to end. If using block mozzarella, cut it into thick strips.

Step 4: Roll and Seal

Carefully lift one side of the meat and fold it over the cheese, then roll the entire loaf to fully encase the mozzarella. Pinch the seams and ends firmly to seal — this prevents cheese leakage during baking. The better your seal, the more dramatic the cheese pull when you slice it.

Step 5: Wrap in Bacon

On a clean work surface, lay out your bacon slices slightly overlapping, creating a bacon “mat.” Place the meatloaf seam-side down on one end of the bacon, then carefully wrap the bacon around the loaf, tucking the ends underneath. The bacon should cover the entire surface.

Step 6: Apply the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush this glaze generously over the entire bacon-wrapped surface. This glaze caramelizes as it bakes, creating a sweet-savory crust that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the meatloaf to your prepared baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 55–65 minutes. You’re looking for two things: crispy, golden bacon and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center (avoiding the cheese pocket).

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

This step is crucial. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and, most importantly, lets the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t all spill out when you cut into it.

Pro Tips for Success

Extra Crispy Bacon: If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like after the full baking time, turn on your broiler and give the meatloaf 3–5 minutes under high heat. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Cheese Containment: If you’re worried about cheese leakage, try freezing the mozzarella for 15 minutes before stuffing. This gives you extra time during baking before it starts to melt.

Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble this meatloaf completely (except for the glaze) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for entertaining — just add the glaze and pop it in the oven.

Leftovers: This meatloaf makes incredible sandwiches the next day. Slice it cold, place it on crusty bread with some arugula and extra glaze, and you’ve got lunch sorted.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides. Consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes that can soak up the flavorful juices, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans, or a simple Caesar salad for freshness. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition to mop up any extra glaze.

For a complete comfort food feast, add mac and cheese or buttered corn on the side. The richness of the meatloaf can handle bold side dishes without overwhelming the meal.

Variations to Try

Italian Style: Replace the mozzarella with provolone and add sun-dried tomatoes to the meat mixture. Use marinara sauce instead of the ketchup glaze.

Tex-Mex Twist: Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella, add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture, and swap the glaze for a chipotle-lime sauce.

Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms with the onions and mix them into the meat. The umami flavor adds incredible depth.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. The bacon may lose some crispness when reheated, but the flavor remains outstanding.

You can also freeze fully cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf checks every box for the perfect comfort food dish. It’s impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for a family dinner. The combination of textures — crispy bacon, tender meat, and gooey cheese — creates a truly satisfying eating experience. Plus, it’s a complete protein-packed meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

The visual appeal alone makes this worth making. When you slice into the loaf and that melted mozzarella stretches out, you’ll have everyone at the table reaching for their phones to snap a picture. It’s the kind of dish that gets shared on social media and requested for every family gathering.

Give this recipe a try for your next dinner, and prepare to become the household hero. The standing ovation at the dinner table is practically guaranteed.