BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

This is not your average meatloaf — it’s a showstopper. Juicy ground beef is seasoned to perfection, stuffed with gooey melted cheddar, and wrapped in smoky bacon for a rich, savory finish. The barbecue glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving each slice a mouthwatering sweetness and tang. Slice into it and you’ll find the ultimate surprise: a molten cheese center that turns an everyday meal into something unforgettable. Serve it once, and your family may never ask for another meatloaf recipe again.

YIELD
2–4 servings

PREP TIME
15 Min

COOK TIME
1 Hr

METHOD
Bake

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

For the Meatloaf

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 egg (about 2 oz / 55 g)

• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)

• 1/4 cup (30 g) dry seasoned bread crumbs

• 1 1/2 tsp (4 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) garlic powder

• 1/8 tsp (0.5 g) sea salt, optional

• 2 cloves garlic, zested or minced (about 0.2 oz / 6 g)

• 1/4 tsp (0.8 g) dry mustard

• 1/4 tsp (0.8 g) dried oregano

• 1/4 tsp (0.8 g) dried basil

• 1/4 tsp (0.8 g) freshly ground black pepper

• 2–3 green onions (about 2 oz / 55 g), white and green parts, finely chopped

• 1/2 small green bell pepper, finely diced (about 2 oz / 55 g)

• 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1/4 cup / 30 g for topping)

For the Topping

• 3 slices bacon, cut in half (6 pieces total) (about 3 oz / 85 g)

• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) barbecue sauce

• 1 Tbsp (12 g) light brown sugar, loosely packed

How to Make BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish — line with foil for easy cleanup or coat with non-stick spray. Set aside.

2. Keep the ground beef in the refrigerator until ready to mix. In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, minced garlic, dry mustard, oregano, basil, pepper, onions, and bell pepper. Stir to combine. Add 2 Tbsp (30 ml) barbecue sauce and the egg; mix well.

3. Add the chilled ground beef to the bowl and mix quickly with clean hands (not a spoon) to maintain the meatloaf’s texture. Place half of the meat mixture in the center of the baking dish. Shape into a hollowed oval, like the bottom half of a potato. Fill the well with 3/4 cup (85 g) cheddar cheese, pressing it gently into place.

4. Top with the remaining meat mixture, pressing and shaping into a smooth log to seal the cheese inside.

5. Lay the bacon slices evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

6. Spread the remaining 2 Tbsp (30 ml) barbecue sauce over the bacon and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top. Bake for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

7. Optional: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup (30 g) cheddar cheese over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 5 minutes, just until melted. You can also add all the cheese inside and leave the topping to the bacon and barbecue glaze.

Conclusion:
This BBQ bacon-wrapped cheese-stuffed meatloaf takes comfort food to the next level. The smoky bacon, tangy-sweet glaze, and molten cheddar center create a flavor combination that’s impossible to resist. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, it’s a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for seconds.