Cheesy Bacon Meatloaf (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Meatloaf Foundation
01 -
1 egg, whisked
02 -
1 cup of crumbs from bread
03 -
2 lbs ground beef, lean
04 -
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
05 -
Season with salt and pepper as needed
06 -
A small onion, chopped finely
07 -
1 teaspoon of smokey paprika
→ Jalapeño Add-ons
08 -
4 strips of crispy bacon, crumbled
09 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
10 -
1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
11 -
1–2 jalapeños, diced fine (seeded if lower spice preferred)
→ Serving Extras
12 -
1/2 cup ranch dressing for topping
# Instructions:
01 -
Start with a large bowl and mix together your breadcrumbs, ground beef, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and whisked egg. Toss in your diced jalapeños (seeds or no seeds, depending on your heat tolerance), smoked paprika, and a pinch or two of salt and pepper. Dive in and combine it all with your hands—it's messy but nothing works better!
02 -
Here comes the tasty part! Gently work in the cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon. Mix just enough to spread it out, but don't go overboard. Little cheese pockets are what make it special.
03 -
Turn your oven to 350°F and let it warm up. Mold the mixture into a loaf shape and either place it on a lined baking sheet with raised foil or into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes. It’s good to go when the thermometer says 160°F inside.
04 -
Hold off a few minutes before slicing. Giving it 5-10 minutes on the counter helps keep the juices locked in instead of running out all over. Patience pays off here.
05 -
Before you serve, warm the ranch dressing just a bit—15 seconds in the microwave should do it. Pour it over each slice for a cool zing that goes great with the spicy, creamy loaf.
# Notes:
01 -
This meal gives you that jalapeño popper flavor everyone loves, only made super filling and perfect for family dinners or chill gatherings.
02 -
Want more or less spice? The number of seeds you include from the jalapeños totally controls the kick—more seeds, more heat!
03 -
Switch it up by rolling it into mini loaves or small meatballs. They cook faster and are perfect finger food for a party!