Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf takes the classic meatloaf and turns it into something truly special. This is not your everyday dinner; it is layered, rich, smoky, and packed with bold flavor in every slice. Juicy seasoned beef is stacked with layers of melted cheese, then wrapped in smoky bacon that crisps beautifully as it cooks. The result is a meatloaf that is moist, indulgent, and impressive enough for guests while still feeling like comforting home cooking. I enjoy making this recipe when I want to elevate a familiar dish without making it complicated. The combination of smoke, cheese, and bacon creates depth, while the stacked layers make each slice visually striking. Whether served for a weekend dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf delivers comfort with a gourmet touch.
Print
Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf (Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty, flavor-packed meatloaf layered with three kinds of melted cheese and wrapped in smoky beef bacon, baked until juicy and golden for an indulgent comfort-food centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone or Swiss cheese
- 10–12 slices smoked beef bacon
- 1/2 cup ketchup (optional glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix gently until just combined.
- Press half of the meat mixture into the pan.
- Layer cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone evenly over the meat.
- Top with remaining meat mixture and seal edges.
- Wrap the meatloaf with beef bacon slices, tucking ends underneath.
- Brush with ketchup if using.
- Bake uncovered for 60–70 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Pairs well with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the meatloaf. A slightly higher fat content keeps the meatloaf juicy and flavorful.
Smoked bacon
Smoked bacon wraps the meatloaf, adding richness, smokiness, and a crisp outer layer that seals in moisture.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar provides sharp, bold flavor and melts smoothly into the meat layers.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella adds stretch and creaminess, balancing the sharper cheeses.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan brings a salty, nutty depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Eggs
Eggs bind the meat mixture together, helping the meatloaf hold its shape.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs absorb moisture and keep the meatloaf tender rather than dense.
Milk
Milk softens the breadcrumbs and adds moisture to the meat mixture.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and aroma, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
Garlic
Garlic deepens the savory flavor and enhances the seasoning.
Smoked paprika
Smoked paprika reinforces the smoky notes and adds warmth.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors in the meatloaf.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Ketchup
Ketchup adds tang and slight sweetness, complementing the smoky elements.
Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth and richness.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C and lining a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
Divide the meat mixture into three equal portions. Press the first portion into a loaf shape, then layer with cheddar cheese. Add the second portion of meat, followed by mozzarella cheese. Top with the final portion of meat and sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Carefully wrap the entire meatloaf with smoked bacon, overlapping slightly to cover fully.
Bake until the meatloaf is cooked through and the bacon is crisp. Allow it to rest before slicing to keep the layers intact and juices locked in.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves six people generously. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, while cooking time is approximately 60 to 70 minutes, depending on thickness.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This meatloaf also freezes well for up to two months.
Variations and Customizations
This meatloaf is easy to customize. You can substitute ground turkey or a beef and pork blend for a different texture. For extra smokiness, add a small amount of liquid smoke to the meat mixture. Swap cheddar for pepper jack to introduce heat, or add sautéed mushrooms between the layers for an earthy note. If you prefer a glaze, brush the top with extra ketchup or barbecue sauce during the final minutes of cooking. These variations allow you to tailor the recipe while keeping its bold, comforting character intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf is high in protein and calcium due to the beef and cheese. Using leaner meat and reduced-fat cheese can help lower fat content while maintaining flavor.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overmix
Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf.
Rest before slicing
Resting helps the layers stay intact and juicy.
Seal with bacon carefully
Even coverage prevents dryness and enhances flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and bake when ready.
Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Yes, freeze cooked or uncooked for later use.
How do I know it is fully cooked?
The center should be hot and no longer pink.
Can I cook this on a grill or smoker?
Yes, indirect heat works well for smoking.
What cheese melts best for layering?
Mozzarella and cheddar melt smoothly.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, finely chopped peppers or mushrooms work well.
How do I keep the bacon from burning?
Cover loosely with foil if needed during baking.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, though it will be less rich.
Does this reheat well?
Yes, slices reheat evenly.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables are excellent choices.
Conclusion
Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Stack Meatloaf is a bold, indulgent take on a classic comfort dish. With its juicy layers, melted cheese, and smoky bacon wrap, it transforms an everyday meal into something memorable and deeply satisfying.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!