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Quick Description:
This hearty and savory bacon-wrapped stuffed meatloaf is a showstopper dish! Made with tender ground beef, a creamy spinach and cheese stuffing, wrapped in crispy bacon, and topped with marinara sauce, this recipe is a flavorful twist on classic meatloaf. It’s high in protein and perfect for any family meal, special dinner, or a gathering.
Servings & Timing:
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients List:
- For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for more flavor)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp milk (use almond milk or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
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- For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup cooked spinach (or other greens like kale or chard)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (or ricotta cheese for a lighter option)
- For the Bacon & Sauce:
- 8 slices bacon (thin-cut for crispy results)
- ½ cup marinara sauce (sugar-free for low-carb)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your meatloaf will cook evenly and the bacon will crisp up nicely.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt & pepper.
- Using your hands or a spoon, mix until the ingredients are evenly combined. The consistency should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold together. If it’s too dry, add a bit more milk; if too wet, add a small amount of breadcrumbs.
3. Prepare the Stuffing:
- For the stuffing, add the cooked spinach (make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach), mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese to a small bowl.
- Mix the ingredients until they are well combined and form a thick, creamy stuffing.
4. Assemble the Meatloaf:
- Lay a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface and place the meat mixture on top. Using your hands, press it out into a rectangle about 9×12 inches in size.
- Evenly spread the spinach and cheese mixture over the meat, leaving about ½-inch space around the edges.
- Carefully roll up the meatloaf like a jelly roll, rolling from the longest edge. Press the ends to seal and form a neat log.
5. Wrap with Bacon:
- Lay the bacon slices on a separate sheet of parchment paper, slightly overlapping. The bacon should cover the entire meatloaf log.
- Place the rolled-up meatloaf in the center and carefully wrap it with the bacon. Make sure the bacon covers the meatloaf completely.
- Use toothpicks to secure any loose ends of bacon if needed.
6. Bake:
- Place the wrapped meatloaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into a cast iron skillet for extra crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meatloaf is fully cooked and the bacon has rendered properly.
7. Add Sauce and Finish:
- After the meatloaf is baked, remove it from the oven. Carefully pour the marinara sauce over the top, spreading it evenly across the meatloaf.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, just until the sauce is hot and bubbly.
8. Serve:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Slice into 1-inch thick portions, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Additional Notes:
- If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour to keep the recipe in line with your dietary needs.
- This meatloaf is best served with steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Dietary Information:
Carbs: 6g (for a low-carb version with almond flour)
Calories per serving (based on 8 servings): Approximately 350 calories per slice
Protein: 30g per serving
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