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Meatloaf Served
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Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Jalapeno Meatloaf

Bold heat, sharp cheddar, sautéed aromatics, and a glossy maple finish. This version works beautifully on a baking sheet for more browning, or in a loaf pan for a taller, classic shape.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bacon, cheddar, Jalapeno, meatloaf
Servings: 5
Calories: 714kcal
Author: Kevin Bouchard

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Chefs Knife
  • Small Sauté Pan
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Baking Sheet OR Loaf Pan
  • Parchment Paper OR Foil
  • Instant-Read Thermometer
  • Whisk
  • Silicone Brush
  • Cooling Rack

Ingredients

Meatloaf

  • 1.5 lb Ground Beef 80/20
  • 8 full slices Bacon for baking sheet method
  • OR 4 slices Bacon cut in half (8 short strips, for loaf pan method)
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 2 Jalapeños finely diced
  • 1 Large Egg

Binder & Moisture

  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Milk

Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup Yellow Onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil

Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 3/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

Maple Brown Sugar Glaze

  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prep the Oven & Pan

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment
  • OR lightly grease a loaf pan.

Sauté the Aromatics

  • Heat a small pan over medium with oil.
  • Add Yellow Onion and Jalapeños. Cook 4–5 minutes.
  • Add Garlic for the final 30 seconds.
  • Cool slightly.

Make the Panade

  • Combine Breadcrumbs and Milk. Rest 2 minutes.

Build the Meatloaf

  • Add Ground Beef, cooled vegetables, Egg, Cheddar, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, and seasonings.
  • Mix gently until just combined.

Shape & Add Bacon

  • If Using a Baking Sheet:
  • Form into a free-standing loaf.
  • Lay 8 full strips of Bacon across the top.
  • If Using a Loaf Pan:
  • Press mixture into pan.
  • Lay 4 Bacon slices (cut in half) across the top.

Glaze & Bake

  • Brush half of glaze over Bacon.
  • Bake 45 minutes, then brush remaining glaze and continue 10–15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Rest

  • Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Substitute Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken, Ground Pork, or a mix of Ground Meats.
  • Add 367 Calories if you double the Bacon
  • For leaner meats, consider adding 1-2 Tbsp Olive Oil to maintain moisture.
  • Remove Jalapeño seeds for milder heat.
  • Add extra Jalapeño or a pinch of Red Pepper Flakes for more spice.
  • Let the sautéed vegetables cool before mixing into the meat.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture.
  • Always cook to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Let the Meatloaf rest before slicing to retain juices.
  • Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day.

Nutrition

Calories: 714kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 168mg | Sodium: 1363mg | Potassium: 717mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 749IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 288mg | Iron: 5mg
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