Looking for the ultimate comfort food with a major wow-factor? This Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is the stuff of savory dreams! Imagine juicy, tender beef loaded with Italian herbs and aromatics, stuffed with gooey mozzarella that melts with every bite, and then wrapped in luscious, crispy bacon for a smoky finish.

This recipe transforms the classic meatloaf into an instant family favorite-easy enough for weeknights, but impressive enough for Sunday dinner or a special occasion. The melty cheese center is an unexpected, glorious surprise, while the bacon ensures each slice is rich, flavorful, and totally irresistible.

Inspired by my family's love of both meatloaf and all things cheesy, this hearty dish brings everyone to the table with excitement and big appetites. Trust me, you'll want to make extra for next-day sandwiches!

Tender meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon and stuffed with gooey mozzarella

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every slice oozes with melty mozzarella for ultimate comfort food appeal
Wrapping in bacon keeps the meatloaf moist and adds smoky, savory flavor
A show-stopping centerpiece, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks
Super easy to prep ahead and makes delicious leftovers

Key Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the hearty base of this meatloaf, providing rich, meaty flavor and tender texture. For best results, opt for 80/20 ground beef (80 percent lean, 20 percent fat)-a little fat keeps the loaf moist and delicious. You can also swap in ground turkey or a combination of pork and beef if desired.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is the star of the show here, delivering that irresistibly gooey, melty center. Low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella sticks or a block cut into thick strips work best, as they hold up well during baking and create those perfect cheesy layers. For a twist, try provolone, cheddar, or smoked mozzarella for extra flavor.

Bacon

Bacon wraps the entire meatloaf for unbeatable flavor and a crispy, caramelized exterior. Choose regular sliced bacon-thick-cut may take longer to crisp. If bacon isn't your thing, you can skip it and simply brush the meatloaf with extra sauce or oil for a golden crust.

Italian Breadcrumbs

Italian-style breadcrumbs add moisture, structure, and a subtle herbiness, ensuring the meatloaf holds together beautifully. Panko works in a pinch, but you may want to add extra Italian seasoning for flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce

This pantry staple adds incredible depth and a big umami boost to the meat mixture. If you don't have Worcestershire, a splash of soy sauce will do the trick, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf cooking process

Instructions for Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Filling and Meat Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and ketchup. Mix with clean hands until just combined-don't overwork or you'll end up with a dense loaf.

Form the Meatloaf and Add the Cheese

On a large piece of parchment, flatten the meat mixture into an even rectangle about 1-inch thick. Arrange the mozzarella strips lengthwise along the center, leaving a small border at the ends. Carefully fold the sides of the meat up and over the cheese, pinching the seams to seal it in. Shape into a loaf.

Wrap with Bacon

Carefully transfer the loaf to your prepared baking sheet. Drape bacon slices over the top, tucking the ends underneath to secure and cover the loaf completely. Overlapping the slices helps everything stay in place during baking.

Add Glaze (Optional)

If you like a sweet, tangy glaze, mix ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl. Brush evenly over the top of the bacon-wrapped loaf for extra color and flavor.

Bake Until Perfect

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and an instant-read thermometer in the center reads 160°F (71°C). For extra-crispy bacon, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing-this keeps all that gooey mozzarella from spilling out!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Craving a little heat? Add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture, or swap in pepper jack cheese for the mozzarella.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free. You'll never miss the gluten!

Swap the Cheese

Feel free to experiment with the cheese stuffing-provolone, cheddar, or even Havarti work well and melt beautifully. Try smoked cheeses for added depth.

Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf

Lighten things up by substituting ground turkey or chicken for beef. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to keep the loaf moist.

Herb Lovers' Option

Mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh basil or oregano for a fresh twist, or add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this decadent meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad for a balanced dinner. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of cracked black pepper. Leftover slices are excellent in sandwiches-just add a little extra ketchup or marinara!

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes. To freeze, wrap the cooked, cooled meatloaf (whole or sliced) tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (FAQ)

Q: How do I keep the cheese from leaking out of the meatloaf?

A: Make sure the mozzarella is completely surrounded by meat and the seams are pinched closed. Resting before slicing also helps prevent leaks.

Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble the loaf and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Q: What can I use instead of bacon?

A: For a bacon-free version, simply brush the loaf with olive oil or extra ketchup. You can also try prosciutto for a lighter alternative.

Ready to indulge? This Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is comfort food at its absolute best-gooey, savory, and always crowd-pleasing. Give it a try, then leave a rating and comment below to let me know how much you loved it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe