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Savory BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf Recipe with Crispy Onion Topping Made Easy

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A hearty and flavorful meatloaf featuring smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, tangy BBQ sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for glazing
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  3. Using the bacon fat left in the skillet or a little oil, sauté the finely diced yellow onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with hands or spoon until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  5. Transfer mixture into a loaf pan (9×5 inch) and press down evenly. Alternatively, shape freeform on a lined baking sheet into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf.
  6. Spread an additional 1/4 cup BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return to oven and bake another 10-15 minutes until onions are golden and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy. Use a loaf pan for even cooking or shape freeform for a crispier crust. Rest the meatloaf after baking to retain juices. If crispy onions brown too fast, tent with foil. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and non-dairy milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, BBQ meatloaf, bacon, cheddar, crispy onions, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/savory-bbq-bacon-cheddar-meatloaf-recipe-with-crispy-onion-topping-made-easy/