Prepare to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that elevates the classic meatloaf to new heights. Introducing the Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack – a decadent and visually stunning dish that blends the comforting flavors of a homestyle favorite with the elegance and artistry of a gourmet creation. Get ready to experience the ultimate in cozy comfort food, reimagined with a refined and inspiring twist.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack
Imagine a meatloaf that’s not just a hearty, satisfying meal, but a true work of culinary art. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack. Featuring layers of juicy, flavorful meatloaf, melted cheeses, and crispy bacon, this dish is a flavor explosion that will leave you feeling cozy and indulgent. The visual appeal is equally captivating, with each slice showcasing the beautiful layering of ingredients. This is comfort food elevated to new heights, perfect for impressing your family and friends with your gourmet cooking skills.
Ingredients
This Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack requires a carefully curated list of high-quality ingredients to achieve its rich, decadent flavor and stunning presentation. From the ground beef and pork to the blend of four cheeses and the smoky bacon, every element works in harmony to create a truly remarkable dish.
- 1 lb. – Ground beef
- 1 lb. – Ground pork
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs
- 1 tsp. – Salt
- 1 tsp. – Black pepper
- 1 tsp. – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp. – Onion powder
- 8 oz. – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz. – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz. – Shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz. – Crumbled blue cheese
- 12 slices – Smoked bacon, cooked until crispy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground meats: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of the beef and pork for a leaner alternative.
- Cheese blend: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Gruyère, Provolone, or a combination of your favorite melting cheeses.
How to Make Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack
Prepare to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that elevates the classic meatloaf to new heights. Here’s how to create this visually stunning and flavor-packed dish:
Step 1 — Prepare the Meatloaf
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix the ingredients until they are well incorporated. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and press the meatloaf mixture into it, creating a level surface.
Step 2 — Bake the Meatloaf
Place the prepared meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. In the meantime, cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.
Step 3 — Assemble the Stack
Slice the cooled meatloaf into thick, even rounds, creating a layered stack. Arrange the meatloaf rounds on a baking sheet, and top each layer with a generous amount of the four-cheese blend, made up of the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and crumbled blue cheese. Scatter the crispy bacon pieces over the cheese, creating a stunning visual effect.
Step 4 — Bake the Stack
Place the assembled Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack back in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bacon is crisp. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of your favorite sauce, for a truly breathtaking presentation.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Flavor Enhancers: For even more depth of flavor, consider incorporating caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or a touch of barbecue sauce into the meatloaf mixture.
- Cheese Customization: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, or incorporate crumbled blue cheese for a delightful contrast.
- Sauce Drizzle: Elevate the visual appeal of your Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack by adding a drizzle of a flavored sauce or glaze, such as a balsamic reduction or a honey-mustard sauce.
- Herb Garnish: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the slices in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through and the cheese is melted once again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and bake it ahead of time. Let it cool completely before slicing and assembling the stack, which can be done a day or two in advance.
Nutrition Information
This Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack is a hearty, satisfying dish that provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving offers a substantial amount of calories, but the focus is on using high-quality ingredients and creating a truly indulgent and comforting meal.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf stack in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and bake it ahead of time. Just be sure to let it cool completely before slicing and assembling the stack. This can be done a day or two in advance, then you can simply top with the cheese and bacon and bake when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! The four-cheese blend is a delicious combination, but you can experiment with other cheeses that you and your family enjoy. Some great options include cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Gruyère, or even a touch of crumbled blue cheese for a tangy twist.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your meatloaf is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the loaf, and look for an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F. This will ensure the meatloaf is juicy, tender, and safe to eat.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this delicious Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack without any dietary restrictions.
How can I make this dish more visually appealing?
To elevate the visual appeal of your Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack, consider adding a drizzle of a flavored sauce or glaze, such as a balsamic reduction or a honey-mustard sauce. You can also garnish the dish with fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor.
Try These Next
- Smoked Bacon Triple Cheese Stack Meatloaf
- How To Make A Loaded Cowboy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Easy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Dinner Casserole
Savory Smoked Bacon Four-Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A delicious meatloaf stacked high with smoked bacon and four types of cheese, perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
8 slices smoked bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
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, ground pork, chopped bacon, and all cheeses.
3. Add breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix until well combined and shape into a loaf.
5. Place the meatloaf in a baking dish and bake for 1 hour.
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or thyme.
Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
- 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: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg