Ingredients
- 8 portions of crispy bacon, separated into individual slices
- 1 pound of seasoned ground beef
- A quarter cup of breadcrumbs, dried to perfection
- 1 beaten egg, ready to bind
- Finely minced garlic, releasing its aromatic flavors
- A hint of Worcestershire sauce for depth
- Balanced seasoning with salt and pepper ground to taste
- For the filling:
- Generous amount of shredded Cheddar cheese to suit your preference
- For the delectable pineapple glaze:
- A mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and crushed pineapple, adding a touch of sweetness
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce for an added layer of flavor
Step 1
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Take 4 strips of bacon and finely chop them, setting aside the other 4 strips for later use. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it turns brown and crispy, stirring frequently for about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, set the cooked bacon aside to cool.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, lightly combine ground beef, bread crumbs, a beaten egg, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until all ingredients are well blended. Place a piece of waxed paper and spread the meat mixture into a rectangular shape measuring about 10 inches square. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese and the cooked chopped bacon over the meat, leaving a small border around the edges. Gently roll the meat around the filling, making sure to seal the seam before transferring it to a loaf pan with the seam side facing down.
Step 3
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes until it is heated through and starts to brown. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare a glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple pieces, and another teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Once the initial baking time is up, carefully place the remaining 4 strips of bacon over the meatloaf, weaving them together for a decorative touch. Spread the pineapple glaze over the bacon-wrapped loaf.
Step 4
Put the meatloaf back in the oven and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bacon topping becomes crispy and the pineapple glaze caramelizes. To ensure the meatloaf is thoroughly cooked, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center, and it should register 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
Extra Tips & Suggestions
- 1. Cheese Selection : Choose a high-quality cheese that melts beautifully, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere. Store the cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful.
- 2. Meat Mixture : After preparing the meatloaf mixture, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator. This will also allow the flavors to meld together for a tastier dish.
