1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and egg until well combined.
3. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Fold in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped pickles (if using).
5. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. If desired, top with more cooked bacon slices and cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is slightly caramelized.
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps in keeping all the juicy flavors locked in!
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra pickles and a drizzle of ketchup if desired.
Variations & Tips
For a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a bit of a kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. If you’re looking to pack in more veggies, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms into the mix. You can also top the meatloaf with a layer of ketchup mixed with a little brown sugar before baking for a glazy topping that caramelizes beautifully.
