Dive into the ultimate comfort food with our Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts! These delectable sandwiches combine the classic flavors of meatloaf with the irresistible crunch of bacon and the melty goodness of cheese, all nestled between soft, toasted buns. Get ready to experience the ultimate in flavor and texture, where every bite is a mouthwatering adventure.
Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts
Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful meatloaf patty, topped with crispy bacon and gooey melted cheese, all sandwiched between soft, toasted buns. That’s the magic of our Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts! Not only are they a comforting and satisfying meal, but they also showcase a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory, smoky bacon adds a delightful crunch, while the meatloaf brings a hearty, homestyle feel, and the melted cheese ties it all together in a lush, creamy embrace. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping weekend feast, these Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Gather these simple, yet flavor-packed ingredients to create your Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts: ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, bacon, and your choice of cheese slices. With these readily available items, you’ll be well on your way to an epic, flavor-packed meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or pork (for a leaner or richer flavor)
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or fresh breadcrumbs (for a crunchier or more homemade texture)
How to Make Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Shape the meatloaf mixture into eight equal-sized patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the patties until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. While the meatloaf is in the oven, cook the bacon until it’s crispy.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Shape the meatloaf mixture into eight equal-sized patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the patties until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. While the meatloaf is in the oven, cook the bacon until it’s crispy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the meatloaf patties and bacon are ready, it’s time to assemble the Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts. Place a meatloaf patty on each of the bottom buns, then top with a slice of cheese and two to three slices of crispy bacon. Close the sandwiches with the top buns and toast them in the oven until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Indulgent Toppings: Try topping your Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts with caramelized onions, spicy mayo, or even a fried egg.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack or provolone, to switch up the flavor profile.
- Hearty Sides: Consider serving the Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts with a side of crispy fries or a fresh, zesty coleslaw.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and use gluten-free buns.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries or a fresh, zesty coleslaw.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts in the oven or under the broiler until the cheese is melted and the buns are crisp.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into patties a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake and assemble the Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts.
Nutrition Information
Each Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melt is a satisfying and comforting meal, providing a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. A single serving delivers approximately 400 calories, 25 grams of protein, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of fat, making it a hearty and nutritious option for your meal planning.
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs on hand?
No problem! You can easily substitute panko breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for the regular breadcrumbs in this recipe.
Can I make the meatloaf patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into patties a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake and assemble the Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts.
How do I ensure the meatloaf is cooked through?
To ensure the meatloaf patties are cooked to perfection, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will guarantee a juicy, flavorful meatloaf every time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as cheddar, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack, to find your perfect flavor combination.
How can I make these Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, be sure to use gluten-free buns for the sandwiches.
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Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crunchy Bacon Meatloaf Melts are a delicious twist on a classic meatloaf, topped with melty cheese and crispy bacon, perfect for a hearty meal!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 sandwich rolls
Optional: lettuce, tomato, and condiments
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes, then top with crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese.
6. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Slice the meatloaf and serve it on sandwich rolls with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.
Notes
For an extra kick, add some hot sauce to the meat mixture.
You can substitute the beef and pork with turkey for a leaner option.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: meatloaf, bacon, cheese, sandwiches