Dad's Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). (5 minutes)

Recipe View 0 mins In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of ketchup. Mix well, then incorporate bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, oregano, basil, pepper, and diced onion until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Set the mixture aside.

Recipe View 0 mins Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan widthwise with bacon slices, ensuring they slightly overlap. Place half of the meat mixture evenly across the top of the bacon.

Recipe View 0 mins Lay 3 of the 4 pieces of Cheddar cheese across the center of the meat, lengthwise. Cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture, gently molding the meat into a loaf shape.

Recipe View 0 mins Carefully pull the ends of the bacon slices up and around the loaf, tucking them in to secure. Spread 1 tablespoon of ketchup thinly and evenly over the top of the loaf.

Recipe View 1 hrs Bake in the preheated oven until the meat loaf is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, approximately 60 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Recipe View 0 mins Remove from the oven.

Recipe View 5 mins Cut the remaining piece of Cheddar cheese into slices and arrange them evenly over the top of the meat loaf. Return the meat loaf to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Recipe View 5 mins Remove from the oven and allow the meat loaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.