Description
🥓🧀🍄 Savor the perfect blend of juicy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and gooey Swiss cheese in this hearty, flavor-packed meatloaf! 🍽️✨
🌟👌 A comforting dish that’s easy to make, packed with protein, and guaranteed to impress your family at dinnertime! 💕🍴
Ingredients
1. 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
2. 8 ounces bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy
3. 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
4. 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
5. 1 medium onion, finely diced
6. 2 large eggs
7. 1/2 cup milk or evaporated milk
8. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
9. 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
10. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
11. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
13. Salt and black pepper to taste
14. 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Set the bacon aside and reserve about 1 tablespoon of the drippings.
3. Sauté the finely chopped mushrooms and diced onions in the reserved bacon drippings over medium heat until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes, then let them cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions, shredded Swiss cheese (reserving some for topping), eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Gently mix the ingredients using clean hands or a large spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf pan and press it down gently to remove air pockets, shaping the top into a slight dome.
7. Alternatively, for a rolled version, pat the mixture into a rectangular shape (10×12 inches and about 1/2 inch thick) on a parchment paper, sprinkle extra mushrooms and cheese on top, carefully roll it up, and seal the edges.
8. Place the shaped meatloaf in a baking dish either as a loaf or the rolled-up version with the seam-side down.
9. Brush the top with ketchup for a classic finish, or mix your ketchup with brown sugar and vinegar for a glaze with added sweetness and tang.
10. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes.
11. About 5 minutes before the meatloaf is done, sprinkle the reserved Swiss cheese on top and continue baking until the cheese melts.
12. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) with an instant-read thermometer.
13. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
14. Slice and serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or dinner rolls.
15. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or use them in creative leftover recipes like sandwiches, pasta sauces, or breakfast hashes.
Notes
1. Use high-quality ground beef with a balanced fat ratio to achieve juiciness and rich flavor.
2. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to preserve tenderness and texture.
3. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to retain its moisture and make slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American