Many of us crave a comforting meal that feels both hearty and indulgent. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Bacon and Cheddar-Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf. This dish brings together the classic flavors of a traditional meatloaf with a twist that elevates it to the next level. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, and it’s easier to prepare than you might think. Let’s get started!

Bacon and Cheddar-Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf

A flavorful turkey meatloaf stuffed with cheddar cheese and bacon, offering a lighter twist on a classic comfort dish.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 15 min

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup ketchup (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, milk, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Place half of the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cooked bacon evenly over the meat layer.
5. Top with the remaining meat mixture, pressing down to seal the edges and encase the cheese and bacon filling.
6. If using, spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbs: 25 g
• Protein: 30 g

Rate This Recipe

12345

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Average Rating: 0 (0 votes)

🖨️ Print Facebook Pinterest

To kick off this meatloaf masterpiece, you’ll need a few ingredients. Gather the following: 1 pound of ground turkey, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 4 slices of cooked bacon (chopped), 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1/4 cup of milk, and your favorite seasonings. I enjoy using garlic powder, salt, pepper, and some dried herbs like thyme or oregano.

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This lets the heat build up while you prepare your meatloaf mixture, ensuring that it cooks evenly when it’s ready to go in.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, and your selected seasonings. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. You want to make sure all the ingredients are well integrated without overworking the meat. This helps maintain a tender texture.

At this stage, you’ll want to add the chopped bacon and cheddar cheese to the mixture. I usually reserve a bit of cheese and bacon to sprinkle on top later for a delicious finishing touch.

Now, it’s time to shape the meatloaf. Place half of the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan or a baking sheet. Make an indentation down the center of the meat, creating a well to hold more stuffing. Spread the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon in this well, then cover it with the rest of the meat mixture. This gives you that beautiful surprise filling when you cut into it later!

Before you pop it into the oven, you can add a glaze on top if you’d like. A simple mix of ketchup and brown sugar works well, or you can use your favorite BBQ sauce. Just brush it generously over the top.

Bake your meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making for a moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Serve this Bacon and Cheddar-Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Trust me, your family and friends will love this savory dish, and you might even find it becomes a regular on your dinner table. Enjoy!

Related posts:

Mini Cheddar and Bacon-Stuffed Potatoes BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf with a Sweet Glaze Bacon and Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf with a Sweet Glaze Cheddar and Bacon Mashed Potato Cakes