How do you keep mozzarella from leaking out?

Seal the meat mixture edges well so the cheese stays inside while baking. Letting it rest before slicing also helps.

Can different cheeses be used in place of mozzarella?

Yes, try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack. Choose cheeses that melt well for a creamy center.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm slices gently in the oven at 325°F or use the microwave for quick reheating, keeping moisture intact.

How do you know meatloaf is cooked through?

Check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure safe and juicy results.

Can this dish be prepared ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking to save time.

What are popular side dishes for this meal?

Classic sides are mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, buttered corn, roasted broccoli, and fresh salad.

Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Cheesy Center

A delicious mozzarella and meat sandwich is displayed on a wooden cutting board. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is that rare dinner that turns an ordinary night into something memorable. You get all the familiar coziness of classic meatloaf with a generous layer of melty mozzarella tucked inside and smoky bacon wrapped all around for extra wow. This is the one I pull out when I want everyone to gather at the table and stay a while because it feels like a big treat but truly only takes a little extra effort.

I first tried stuffing my meatloaf during a snowy weekend when the kids were begging for pizza. Now they ask for this every week and it is at the top of my cozy dinner list when we have friends coming over.

Ingredients

Ground beef: choose one with a bit of fat which adds juiciness and flavor
Breadcrumbs: hold everything together and soak up juices
Eggs: provide binding power and keep the texture tender
Milk: softens the mixture and adds creaminess
Onion: finely diced for sweetness and depth use yellow or sweet onion for best flavor
Garlic: fresh minced boosts the aroma and rounds out the seasoning
Paprika: adds mellow warmth a smoked variety gives extra depth if you have it
Garlic powder and onion powder: for extra seasoning without added moisture
Salt and black pepper: to bring all the flavors together
Mozzarella cheese: sliced or shredded gives that gooey dreamy center look for a block—style or fresh sliced mozzarella for supreme melt
Bacon: enough strips to completely wrap your loaf pick a medium thickness bacon for the best balance of crisp and wrap coverage
Ketchup style sauce: for a classic sweet tangy topping you can sub your favorite BBQ sauce too
Brown sugar: this is optional but brings a glossy caramelized finish to the topping
Chopped parsley: totally optional but adds fresh color at the end

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:: Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan. This makes serving easier and cleanup faster.
Make the Meat Mixture:: Combine the ground beef breadcrumbs eggs milk diced onion minced garlic paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently with clean hands or a spatula just until combined so the loaf stays tender not dense.
Stuff the Meatloaf:: Divide the meat mixture in half. Shape one half into a flat rectangle on your baking sheet or pan. Arrange mozzarella cheese in a layer down the middle but leave space at the edges. Cover with the remaining meat and seal the sides and ends well to lock in that gooey cheese.
Wrap With Bacon:: Lay bacon strips slightly overlapping on your counter. Position the meatloaf on top then wrap the bacon around tucking the ends underneath so they do not curl up during baking. This layer bastes the loaf from the outside in and keeps everything moist.
Add the Topping:: Mix ketchup style sauce and brown sugar if using in a small bowl. Brush this all over the top and sides of the bacon wrapped loaf using a silicone brush or spoon for even coverage. This glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Bake:: Place meatloaf in the oven uncovered and bake for fifty to sixty minutes. The bacon will crisp up as the loaf cooks. If you want the top extra crisp place under the broiler for two to three minutes at the end. Make sure the internal temperature hits one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.
Rest and Serve:: Once out of the oven let the meatloaf rest for ten minutes before slicing. This helps juices redistribute and makes for tidy slices that hold the cheese in. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like and serve while hot.

A delicious bacon and cheese wrapped meat roll is served on a plate. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My favorite ingredient here is the mozzarella because it turns an old school dish into something special. The way the cheese melts into the center feels like an inside joke for whoever is lucky enough to get the first slice. The first time my youngest saw the cheese pull they leapt up from the table and called it the best dinner ever.

Storage Tips

For easy meal prep store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Individual slices reheat best covered in foil in a three hundred twenty five degree oven until warmed through. To freeze wrap the entire loaf tightly with plastic then foil and keep for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you want to mix things up swap the mozzarella for cheddar provolone or even smoked gouda for a new flavor spin. Ground turkey works in place of beef just be sure to use a variety with some fat to keep it moist. You can also add diced bell peppers mushrooms or spinach to the meat mixture for bonus veggies.

Serving Suggestions

My family loves this with buttery mashed potatoes or garlicky mashed cauliflower for a lower carb option. Roasted broccoli or glazed carrots round out the plate. I always serve it with a simple green salad to balance the richness and set out extra glaze for dipping.

Simple History

This recipe is a fun twist on the midcentury classic meatloaf that families have been loving for generations. Wrapping the loaf in bacon and stuffing it with cheese turns the humble dish into a centerpiece worthy of celebrations or Sunday dinners. It is the kind of meal that brings everyone together and makes new memories.

A delicious meat and cheese roll is served on a wooden cutting board. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This meatloaf feels special but is truly easy once you know the method. Serve it for guests or family and enjoy every gooey cheesy bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep mozzarella from leaking out?: Seal the meat mixture edges well so the cheese stays inside while baking. Letting it rest before slicing also helps.
→ Can different cheeses be used in place of mozzarella?: Yes, try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack. Choose cheeses that melt well for a creamy center.
→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?: Warm slices gently in the oven at 325°F or use the microwave for quick reheating, keeping moisture intact.
→ How do you know meatloaf is cooked through?: Check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure safe and juicy results.
→ Can this dish be prepared ahead?: Absolutely. Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking to save time.
→ What are popular side dishes for this meal?: Classic sides are mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, buttered corn, roasted broccoli, and fresh salad.