Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Sweet Heat Bacon Cheddar Brick Meatloaf, a culinary creation that effortlessly blends the richness of cheddar cheese, the salty goodness of bacon, and the warmth of homemade meatloaf. Crafted with care and precision, this dish is a testament to the art of sophisticated indulgence, showcasing the refined and flavorful essence of CrennRecipes.com.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Heat Bacon Cheddar Brick Meatloaf
Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible combination of flavors and textures in this Sweet Heat Bacon Cheddar Brick Meatloaf. The perfect balance of sweet and heat, combined with the decadent cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, creates a truly gourmet experience that will leave your senses delighted. Elevating the classic meatloaf to new heights, this dish is a testament to the elegance and sophistication that defines the CrennRecipes.com brand. Indulge in the cozy comfort and refined indulgence of this mouthwatering masterpiece, perfect for any special occasion or simply as a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
To craft this heavenly Sweet Heat Bacon Cheddar Brick Meatloaf, you’ll need a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients. Ground beef, sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Complement these with aromatic onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, and a touch of Dijon mustard to enhance the overall depth and balance of the dish.
- 2 lbs – Ground beef
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs, beaten
- 1 – Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 8 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Sweet and spicy barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Ground turkey or a blend of ground meats — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Cheese: Smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Sweet Heat Bacon Cheddar Brick Meatloaf
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this exquisite Sweet Heat Bacon Cheddar Brick Meatloaf. From the savory meatloaf base to the decadent cheddar cheese and crispy bacon layers, every component of this dish is crafted with care and precision.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Spread half of the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan, creating a shallow well in the center. Layer the crispy bacon slices and shredded cheddar cheese into the well, then top with the remaining meatloaf mixture, gently pressing it down to seal the edges.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create the sweet heat glaze. Generously brush the top of the meatloaf with the glaze, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Bake the meatloaf for 55-60 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). During the last 10 minutes of baking, you can apply an additional layer of the sweet heat glaze to create a beautifully caramelized surface.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Texture Enhancers: For an extra tender and juicy meatloaf, consider using a blend of ground beef and ground pork, or incorporating a few tablespoons of milk or cream into the mixture.
- Flavor Boosters: Incorporate finely diced roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms into the meatloaf mixture for a delicate layer of flavor and texture.
- Cheese Substitutions: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as crumbled feta or goat cheese, for a more elevated and inspiring flavor profile.
- Spice Level Adjustment: The sweet heat glaze can be customized to your preferred level of spice. Increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper to achieve your desired balance of sweet and heat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.
Storage: Store the meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or slice and reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Make-Ahead: This meatloaf can be assembled and refrigerated a day in advance, then baked just before serving.
Nutrition Information
This Sweet Heat Bacon Cheddar Brick Meatloaf is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the ground beef, as well as essential nutrients from the vegetables and spices.
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the meatloaf)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbs: 24 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the meatloaf in advance?
Absolutely! This meatloaf can be assembled and refrigerated a day in advance, then baked just before serving. This makes it a convenient and elegant option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
How can I make the meatloaf even more tender?
For an extra tender and juicy meatloaf, consider using a blend of ground beef and ground pork, or incorporating a few tablespoons of milk or cream into the mixture.
Can I make this meatloaf without the bacon?
Certainly! If you prefer a meatloaf without the bacon, simply omit the bacon layer and adjust the sweet heat glaze accordingly. The dish will still be deliciously indulgent.
Is this meatloaf suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This meatloaf holds up beautifully for meal prep. Simply slice it into portions and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for easy, gourmet-inspired dinners throughout the week.
Can I adjust the level of spice in the glaze?
Absolutely! The sweet heat glaze can be customized to your preferred level of spice. Increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper to achieve your desired balance of sweet and heat.
Try These Next
- Hot Honey Bacon Double Cheese Brick Meatloaf
- Cheddar Ranch Bacon Stuffed Meatloaf
- Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs With Sticky Sweet Heat
Delicious Sweet Heat Bacon Cheddar Brick Meatloaf
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Sweet Heat Bacon Cheddar Brick Meatloaf combines the savory flavors of bacon and cheddar with a hint of sweetness and spice, creating a refined comfort dish that is both elegant and indulgent.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 eggs
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the eggs and mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
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 kick, add more cayenne pepper or serve with a spicy barbecue sauce. This meatloaf pairs wonderfully 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: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg