Elevate your dinner routine with this Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf, a culinary masterpiece that combines the comfort of classic meatloaf with a refined, gourmet twist. This decadent dish showcases your refined touch, blending rich flavors and textures to create a truly irresistible and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this elegant and flavorful meatloaf. The combination of crispy bacon, tangy ranch, and a trio of melted cheeses creates a luscious and indulgent dish that is sure to delight your senses. This cozy and satisfying meal will transport you to a state of pure culinary bliss, leaving you feeling comforted and inspired.
Ingredients
Prepare to embark on a gourmet culinary journey with the finest ingredients for this Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf. From the juicy ground beef and flavorful spices to the decadent cheeses and crispy bacon, every element has been carefully selected to create a refined and tempting dish.
- 2 lbs – Ground beef
- 2 – Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Dried oregano
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 8 oz – Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz – Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz – Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 12 slices – Crispy bacon
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or lean ground beef — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Cheese Varieties: Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf
Prepare to embark on a gourmet culinary journey with this Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf. Every step is designed to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, resulting in a truly indulgent and satisfying dish.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and gathering all the necessary ingredients. Prepare a large baking pan by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients until well-incorporated, creating a flavorful and cohesive meatloaf mixture.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Carefully transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking pan, shaping it into a rectangular slab. Top the meatloaf with the crispy bacon slices, ensuring even coverage. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses over the bacon, creating a decadent and melty topping.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once the meatloaf is cooked through, let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
As a final touch, you can drizzle a creamy ranch dressing over the top of the meatloaf, adding an extra layer of tangy and comforting flavor. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Resting Time: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version of this Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf.
- Veggie-Packed: Add diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, fresh salad.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf is a hearty and satisfying dish that provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. While it may be considered a comfort food, the use of high-quality ingredients and the elegant presentation make it a gourmet delight. As with any indulgent dish, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the meatloaf
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf in advance?
Absolutely! This Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the meatloaf, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When ready to serve, simply remove it from the fridge, top with the bacon and cheese, and bake as directed.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can certainly use ground turkey as a substitute for the ground beef in this recipe. The flavor profile may be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious and satisfying.
How can I make this meatloaf healthier?
To make this meatloaf a bit healthier, you can use lean ground beef or turkey, opt for reduced-fat cheese, and consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Additionally, you can incorporate more vegetables, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach, into the meatloaf mixture.
Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Absolutely! This Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf freezes beautifully. Bake the meatloaf as directed, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven until heated through.
What sides pair well with this meatloaf?
This Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Some delicious options include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a simple side of steamed broccoli or asparagus.
Try These Next
- Smoked Bacon Triple Cheese Stack Meatloaf
- Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Triple Cheese Bacon Ranch Melt
Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this refined yet comforting Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple-Cheese Slab Meatloaf, a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will elevate your dinner experience.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs ground beef
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, blue cheese, bacon, ranch dressing, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a slab.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an extra touch, top with additional cheese and bacon before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg