Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ lb bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ketchup or mustard for topping
Directions:
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper. - Cook Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Leave a little bacon fat in the skillet for sautéing onion and garlic. - Sauté Onion & Garlic
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. - Mix Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender). - Form the Loaf
Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape evenly. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). - Optional Topping
Spread a thin layer of ketchup or mustard on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra flavor. - Rest and Serve
Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Use a mix of ground beef with 80% lean for maximum juiciness.
- For extra cheesy pockets, add small cubes of cheddar inside the mixture before baking.
- Leftovers make great sandwiches the next day.