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Meatloaf

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf with Cheddar Smashed Potatoes

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this. Juicy, seasoned meatloaf wrapped in smoky strips of bacon, baked to perfection and finished with a tangy glaze. Paired with creamy cheddar smashed potatoes, this dish brings bold flavor and a rustic, home-cooked vibe to the table. It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you—in the best way possible.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 623 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meatloaf:
  • 1½ lbs ground beef 80/20
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 eggs
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 8 –10 slices of bacon
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce for glaze
  • For the Cheddar Smashed Potatoes:
  • 2 lbs red or Yukon gold potatoes skin-on, halved
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives optional

Instructions
 

  • Make the Meatloaf:
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large bowl, mix all meatloaf ingredients except bacon and BBQ sauce until just combined.
  • Form into a loaf and place in a parchment-lined baking dish or loaf pan.
  • Wrap with bacon strips lengthwise over the top, tucking underneath the loaf.
  • Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove and brush with BBQ sauce.
  • Return to oven and bake an additional 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
  • 🧀 Make the Cheddar Smashed Potatoes:
  • Boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender (15–20 mins).
  • Drain, return to pot, and smash with a potato masher.
  • Stir in butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and optional chives.

Notes

 
  • To keep your meatloaf moist and flavorful, avoid overmixing your ingredients—just until combined is perfect.
  • Let the loaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape and retain juices.
  • Use a probe thermometer to hit the sweet spot of 160°F internal temp without drying it out.
  • For extra flavor, try adding a spoonful of chipotle in adobo or smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
    Want to cook this like I do? Click on the equipment links in the recipe to purchase the same tools I use in my kitchen.

Cooks Tips

Cooks Tips
Try maple bacon for a sweeter contrast.
For extra kick, mix chipotle powder or jalapeños into the meat mixture.
Add a handful of crispy fried onions on top before baking for crunch!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 SliceCalories: 623kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 31gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 195mgSodium: 930mgPotassium: 584mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 513IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 116mgIron: 4mg
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