Description
Bacon-wrapped zucchini meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables with a savory twist. Juicy ground beef mingles with fresh zucchini, then gets embraced by crispy bacon, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Base:
- 1.25 pounds ground beef
- 1 packed cup shredded zucchini
- 2 large eggs
Cheese and Binders:
- 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 minced cloves of garlic
- 0.33 cup diced onion
- 0.33 cup diced jarred roasted red peppers
- 7 slices of bacon
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan by lining with aluminum foil and lightly coating with vegetable oil spray.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground meat, herbs, spices, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings using clean hands or a sturdy fork to ensure uniform distribution.
- Gently transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan, carefully sculpting it into a compact rectangular loaf approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) wide and tall.
- Artfully drape bacon strips across the entire surface of the meat loaf, overlapping slightly and trimming edges as necessary to ensure complete coverage.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 50 minutes, monitoring the meat’s internal temperature and bacon’s crispness.
- If additional browning is desired, activate the broiler function for 1-2 minutes, watching meticulously to prevent charring.
- Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a more cohesive texture.
- Using two wide spatulas, carefully transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter.
- Slice into generous wedges and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Bacon transforms this classic meatloaf into a crispy, savory masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Zucchini secretly sneaks extra vegetables into this hearty dish, making it nutritious and deliciously sneaky.
- Wrapping the loaf with bacon creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and adds irresistible flavor.
- Letting the meatloaf rest allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains tender and packed with incredible taste.
- Broiling the bacon for a few extra minutes gives a perfectly crisp top that delivers maximum crunch and caramelization.
- Serving this crowd-pleasing meal with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables completes the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 384 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 623mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 131mg