Indulge in the irresistible combination of smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, gooey Swiss cheese, and savory meatloaf goodness. This twist on the classic comfort food brings bold flavors and a tender texture that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Why This Recipe Works
Flavorful Additions: Bacon, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese elevate the traditional meatloaf, making it rich and hearty.
Tender Texture: A blend of breadcrumbs, milk, and Parmesan ensures a moist, tender loaf.
Balanced Seasoning: Worcestershire, garlic powder, and thyme bring depth to every bite.
Perfectly Topped: A ketchup glaze caramelizes beautifully, adding a sweet-savory finish.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
1 pound ground beef: Adds richness and meaty flavor.
½ pound ground pork: Enhances moisture and flavor.
Binders and Fillers
1 cup breadcrumbs: Absorbs moisture for a soft texture.
½ cup milk: Keeps the meatloaf tender.
2 large eggs: Helps hold the mixture together.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and richness.
Flavorful Additions
½ cup finely chopped onions: Adds sweetness and depth.
1 cup finely chopped mushrooms: Earthy and savory.
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Smoky and crispy.
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Creamy and slightly nutty.
Seasonings
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts savory flavor.
1 tablespoon ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a warm, aromatic touch.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses a delicate herbal note.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Balances the dish.
For the Topping
½ cup ketchup: For a caramelized glaze.
How to Make Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Ingredients
Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and crumble.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms until tender. Set aside to cool.
Mix the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Ground beef and ground pork.
Breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, and eggs.
Cooked bacon, Swiss cheese, and sautéed vegetables.
Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Shape the Meatloaf
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared dish or on a lined baking sheet.
Spread ½ cup of ketchup evenly over the top.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice.
Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: They absorb moisture better than store-bought.
Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat can make the loaf dense.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery potatoes pair perfectly.
Steamed Vegetables: Green beans or broccoli add a light and healthy touch.
Crusty Bread: Great for mopping up any juices or glaze.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Wrap cooked or uncooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave or warm the entire loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Why This Recipe is a Hit
This Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf combines all the comforting flavors of a traditional meatloaf with exciting, savory twists. Bacon brings smokiness, mushrooms add earthiness, and Swiss cheese delivers creaminess in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for the week, this recipe is bound to be a favorite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Get ready to wow your family and friends with this ultimate meatloaf upgrade!