Description
Savory bacon-wrapped zucchini meatloaf combines hearty ground beef with garden-fresh zucchini, wrapped in crispy bacon for a mouthwatering meal. Home cooks can elevate weeknight dinners with this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 lbs (567 g) ground beef
- 1 packed cup shredded zucchini
- 7 slices bacon
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) seasoned bread crumbs
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.33 cup (80 ml) diced onion
- 0.33 cup (80 ml) diced jarred roasted red peppers
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil, lightly spraying with vegetable oil for effortless release.
- Mixing: Combine ground meat, herbs, spices, eggs, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl, thoroughly blending with hands to create a uniform, well-integrated mixture.
- Shaping: Mold the meat mixture into a compact rectangular loaf within the prepared pan, ensuring even dimensions and smooth contours.
- Bacon Wrapping: Meticulously layer bacon strips across the meatloaf’s surface, slightly overlapping to guarantee complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
- Roasting: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, periodically checking the internal temperature and observing the bacon’s developing crispness.
- Finishing: Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown exterior, carefully monitoring to prevent excessive charring.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-7 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter and slice into generous portions, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for juiciest, most flavorful meatloaf that prevents dryness and maintains rich texture.
- Bacon Placement Technique: Overlap bacon strips slightly to create complete coverage, ensuring crispy exterior and preventing meat from drying during cooking.
- Temperature Check Critical: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
- Resting Period Essential: Allow meatloaf to rest 5-7 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, preventing meat from becoming tough and maintaining optimal moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg