I love meatloaf! If you asked me that when I was growing up I would have told you differently, but now that I’m older (and wiser) I can now tell you that I’m a big fan of meatloaf. Let me preface though… there is to be no ketchup slathered on my meatloaf. I think I’ve written about it before, but I hate ketchup. Like I can smell it from a mile away and it gives me the heebee-jeebees. I can’t deal with it. I was traumatized as a kid and still refuse to eat it as an adult. Except for last year when I tried homemade ketchup at Food Blog Forum.
So back to this meatloaf. Its divine. The crispy slices of bacon on top really bring all the flavor to this meat loaf. I never cook meat loaf in individual servings, but for some reason the idea was calling my name. I’ve had these mini loaf pans for almost a year now. My dear friend, Jaclyn, from Food plus Words gave them to me when she was moving away last year. I felt like it was time to give them a whirl. Plus for some reason why my husband doesn’t see me using certain kitchen items he is more prone to want them to be donated ASAP. So, in an effort to save these beauties from the dreaded donation bin… I needed to use them.
I only had three loaf pans, but this definitely will feed a family of four no problem. Just remove them from the pans and cut them into four slices. Plate up 3 hearty slices per person. Given that I’m a brown gravy girl and love to drench my meatloaf with it–it pairs well although even a salt-aholic like me thought at times it might be a tad too salty. My husband was craving ketchup with this one but since we don’t have that offering in my house he went the brown gravy boat as well.
Yesterday, I shared my Baked Cheddar & Chive Mashed Potatoes. My Individual Bacon-Cheddar Meat Loaves paired beautifully with them. I love when a great idea comes to life and proves to really be a good idea. Whether you’re entertaining or just looking for comfort food on a Sunday–this recipe duo is one not to be missed. Of course, I’m not sure if your waste line will be happy with you after this hearty meal, but remember; everything in moderation.
Katie Original Recipe
Individual Bacon-Cheddar Meat Loaves
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean organic ground beef
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ cup shredded cheddar + 3 tbsp
- cooking spray
- 3 bacon slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (Fahrenheit).
- In a large bowl add ground beef, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, beaten egg, minced onion, parsley, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it well until just combined. Then using your hands divide into 3 equal parts.
- Wash hands well then spray three individual loaf pans with cooking spray. Add the divide meat mixture into each loaf pan, and press down to fill gaps. Sprinkle the tops of the loaves with 1 tablespoon shredded cheddar cheese then cut the bacon slices in half. Lay two mini slices on top of each loaf. Place the mini loaf pans on a larger baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees and the bacon is crispy on top.
Justin
Looks yummy sure wish Kathy would try this
Recipe
Katie
They are pretty easy to make! Maybe I can teach her one day!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.
I love that these are individual! I haven’t had meatloaf in so long!
Katie
Thanks Stephanie! I don’t feel like I do enough individual foods! 🙂 More to come that is for sure!
Jeanette
I love the mini green loaf pans – so funny that we both made meatloaf this week – must be craving some comfort food!
Katie
I know! Great minds think a like, Jeanette!
Rachael
I love that ketchup creeps you out. 😉
I’m not a ketchup person, but meatloaf is one of the times I must have it. My mom uses a can of tomato sauce on her meatloaf, and I like that, too.
Katie
Rachael–everyone finds it so odd that I hate ketchup. I will put chunks of tomatoes in my traditional meatloaf recipe and some on top… I’m ok with that but none of that vinegar processed crap (that smells like dirty feet)! lol.
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Bacon wrapped meatloaf! GENIUS!!
Katie
Anna, no words can describe what genius tastes like! lol.
Rach
Oh my goodness gracious, these look amazing! My husband would LOVE this! And so would I! 🙂
Katie
Thanks Rach!
Tasha @ ThatsSoYummy
These look so good! Will have to try…
Katie
They are too good to be true, Tasha!
manu
Love this post!!! I don’t eat pork but I’m sure I could think of a great substitute!
Katie
Hi Manu– I’m sure you could use turkey bacon as a substitute… it just won’t flavor it like traditional bacon does.