Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with elegance, comfort, and pure indulgence. Introducing the Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf – a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious dish that effortlessly transforms classic comfort food into a gourmet masterpiece. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and melted cheese goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf
This decadent meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food elevated to new heights. The combination of succulent smoked bacon, three types of decadent cheeses, and a tender, flavorful meatloaf creates a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you feeling cozy, satisfied, and inspired. This dish is perfect for a wholesome family dinner, a gourmet weekend meal, or an elegant gathering with friends, showcasing how comfort food can be beautifully refined.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf include ground beef, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. These high-quality, flavor-packed components come together to create a truly luscious and indulgent dish.
- 2 lbs – Ground beef
- 8 oz – Smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup – Grated parmesan cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free/Vegan: Use plant-based cheese alternatives for a dairy-free or vegan variation.
- Lean Protein: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a leaner option.
How to Make Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf
Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating this culinary masterpiece. With a few simple techniques and quality ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to serving up a dish that will impress your family and friends.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a loaf pan or baking dish. Fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Grate the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, keeping them separate and ready to layer.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, diced onion, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix the ingredients until they are well incorporated. Divide the mixture into two equal portions and shape each into a rectangular loaf. Place one of the loaves into the prepared pan.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Layer half of the crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese over the first loaf. Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture, forming a second layer. Finish by topping the entire meatloaf with the remaining bacon and cheeses.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mixture for a delightful hint of heat.
- Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack or Swiss cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
- Decorative Presentation: Arrange the cheese and bacon in a visually appealing pattern on top of the meatloaf for an extra touch of elegance.
- Individual Servings: Divide the meatloaf mixture into muffin tins or mini loaf pans to create individual meatloaf servings, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the meatloaf in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf is a satisfying and comforting dish that provides a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, with a balanced macronutrient profile that can fit into a variety of dietary needs.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf in advance and bake it when ready to serve. Assemble the meatloaf, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How can I make this meatloaf healthier?
To make this meatloaf healthier, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for low-fat or reduced-fat cheese varieties.
Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Absolutely! This meatloaf freezes beautifully. Bake the meatloaf, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
What should I serve with this meatloaf?
This Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or buttery mashed potatoes.
Can I make individual meatloaf servings?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make individual meatloaf servings. Simply divide the meatloaf mixture into muffin tins or mini loaf pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Try These Next
- Smoked Bacon Loaded Triple Cheese Meatloaf Stack
- Smoked Bacon Four Cheese Loaded Meatloaf Stack
- Crispy Bacon Ranch Triple Cheese Slab Meatloaf
Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf is a savory delight, combining the rich flavors of smoked bacon and three types of cheese for a mouthwatering dinner experience.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
8 oz smoked bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp 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, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, blue cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined, then shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
5. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite barbecue sauce on top during the last 15 minutes of baking.
This meatloaf pairs well with 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: 90mg