ADVERTISEMENT
#### Ingredients:
– **For the Meatloaf:**
– 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
– 12 slices of bacon (enough to wrap around the meatloaf)
– **For the Potato Salad:**
– 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
– 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
– 1/2 cup celery, chopped (optional)
—
### How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Cheese and Ham Stuffed Meatloaf
**Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat mixture.
**Step 2: Make the Cheese and Ham Filling**
Take half of the meat mixture and flatten it into a rectangular shape on a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Spread a layer of diced ham and shredded cheese evenly over the center of the flattened meat. You can use cheddar for a sharp, tangy flavor or mozzarella for a gooey melt. Once you’ve added the filling, carefully roll the meat around it to form a loaf, sealing the edges so that the cheese and ham stay inside.
**Step 3: Wrap with Bacon**
Lay the bacon slices out on a sheet of parchment paper, overlapping slightly. Place the meatloaf on top of the bacon and begin wrapping it up, tucking the ends underneath the loaf to secure it. The bacon will crisp up in the oven, creating a smoky, delicious crust for the meatloaf.
**Step 4: Bake to Perfection**
Place the bacon-wrapped meatloaf on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). If you like your bacon extra crispy, broil the meatloaf for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
**Step 5: Rest and Serve**
Once done, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist. Slice it into thick, hearty pieces and prepare for the magic of melted cheese and savory ham to spill out!
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
—
### The Perfect Side: Creamy Potato Salad
Potato salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meatloaf dish. Its creamy texture and fresh, tangy flavor balance out the richness of the bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Here’s how to make the ultimate potato salad to pair with your masterpiece.
**Step 1: Cook the Potatoes**
Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Place them in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until tender (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and let them cool slightly.
**Step 2: Prepare the Dressing**
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
**Step 3: Combine and Chill**
Add the cooked potatoes to the dressing and gently toss to coat. For added texture and flavor, stir in chopped boiled eggs and celery if you like. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
—
### Why This Bacon-Wrapped Cheese and Ham Stuffed Meatloaf is a Game Changer
This bacon-wrapped meatloaf is a showstopper that elevates the humble dish to new heights. The combination of savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and the melty, gooey center of cheese and ham creates a flavor explosion with every bite. It’s a dish that’s perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary.
What’s even better is that this dish is easily customizable. You can swap out the cheese for your favorite variety or change the filling to suit your taste. Add mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even spinach for a different twist. The possibilities are endless!
—
### Why Potato Salad is the Perfect Pairing
The creamy, tangy flavor of the potato salad complements the richness of the meatloaf beautifully. The smooth texture of the potatoes and the fresh crunch of celery (if you use it) provide a wonderful contrast to the meatloaf, balancing out the dish perfectly. It’s a classic pairing that works every time, and the cold, refreshing potato salad helps cut through the richness of the bacon and cheese-stuffed meatloaf.
—
### Final Thoughts
Bacon-Wrapped Cheese and Ham Stuffed Meatloaf with Potato Salad is the ultimate comfort food combination. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply making a family meal, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. With its irresistible bacon wrapping and gooey cheese and ham filling, it’s a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds—and asking for the recipe!
Enjoy the rich flavors, the creamy sides, and the satisfaction of creating something truly special in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
