Bacon Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf

Featured in: Hearty and Delicious Meals

This hearty dish combines ground beef and pork with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and crispy bacon for a robust flavor profile. Melted Swiss cheese and Parmesan add richness, while a blend of herbs and a touch of Worcestershire provide depth. Shaped and baked to perfection, the loaf is topped with ketchup to seal in moisture and enhance its savory notes. Letting it rest before slicing ensures every piece stays tender and juicy, making it an ideal choice for a warming, satisfying meal.

sana kitchen chef
By Sana Sana
Updated on Tue, 20 May 2025 22:50:07 GMT
Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf Pin it
Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf | recipebyme.com

Bacon mushroom Swiss cheese meatloaf became my go to for Sunday suppers when comfort and flavor needed to come together in one dish The savory trio of bacon mushrooms and creamy Swiss gives this meatloaf that little something special that always gets friends asking for seconds

I first whipped this up for a potluck hoping to impress and it quickly became my family’s most requested recipe for gatherings and simple cozy nights

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Brings the classic base Choose meat with some fat for juiciness
  • Ground pork: Adds extra flavor and tender texture Look for fresh pink pork
  • Breadcrumbs: Bind everything together Use fresh or panko for best results
  • Milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs Whole milk gives more richness
  • Parmesan cheese: Infuses salty nutty notes Grate it fresh for better melt
  • Onions: Offer sweetness and roundness Chop them fine for even texture
  • Mushrooms: Build savory earthy depth Always pick firm fresh mushrooms
  • Bacon: Provides smokiness and crunch Cook until just crispy not burnt
  • Swiss cheese: Makes the loaf super creamy and nutty Buy from the deli for best quality
  • Eggs: Hold the structure together Use large eggs for correct ratios
  • Worcestershire sauce: Brings tangy complexity Look for real fermented brands
  • Ketchup: Adds a sweet tomato finish Use real ketchup not sauce
  • Garlic powder: Deepens the savory layers Opt for a fresh jar for best taste
  • Dried thyme: Perfumes the loaf with subtle herb notes
  • Salt and black pepper: Balance all the flavors Always freshly grind your pepper if you can

Step-by-Step Instructions

Set up your oven:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even cooking This lets the meatloaf set without drying out
Prepare the bacon and vegetables:
Fry bacon in a skillet until crispy Remove and crumble Set bacon aside In the same pan use the flavorful bacon drippings to sauté chopped onions and mushrooms on medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes Stir frequently until the veggies turn soft golden and most of the moisture cooks off Cool them a bit before mixing in
Mix up the meatloaf:
In a big bowl gently toss together the ground beef ground pork fresh breadcrumbs milk Parmesan slightly cooled onions and mushrooms crumbled bacon and shredded Swiss cheese Add eggs Worcestershire sauce ketchup garlic powder thyme salt and black pepper Use your hands or a fork to combine just until the blend is uniform Avoid overmixing so the meatloaf stays tender
Shape and top the loaf:
Turn the mixture out onto a lined baking sheet or into a baking dish Shape it into a sturdy loaf about 2 inches high and 5 inches wide Gently smooth the top and spread a layer of ketchup over the entire loaf for a glossy glaze that helps seal in moisture
Bake to perfection:
Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit This gets you juicy cooked through meatloaf no pink inside
Rest before serving:
After baking let the loaf rest uncovered for 10 minutes The juices settle and the slices hold together better when you cut and serve
A close up of a hamburger with mushrooms on top.
A close up of a hamburger with mushrooms on top. | recipebyme.com

There is nothing like biting into a slice with a gooey pocket of Swiss and a bit of smoky bacon My youngest once declared this the best meatloaf on the planet and it felt like a small victory in the kitchen

Storage Tips

Store leftover meatloaf wrapped tightly or in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days For longer storage slice and wrap individual pieces before freezing They reheat best in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain crispness on the edges

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a leaner loaf try switching out the ground pork for turkey or ground chicken For the cheese Gruyere or provolone also create that rich melty middle Gluten free breadcrumbs work perfectly for those with special dietary needs

Serving Suggestions

Pair thick warm slices with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness For a creative leftover use crumble some meatloaf and stuff grilled cheese sandwiches trust me it is an unforgettable lunch

Cultural and Historical Context

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that became particularly popular in American kitchens during the Great Depression as a way to stretch meat with bread and fillers Blending European meatball and pâté traditions each region brings its twist The bacon mushroom Swiss combo puts a modern spin on this nostalgic favorite while anchoring it in tradition

A close up of a piece of meat with mushrooms on top.
A close up of a piece of meat with mushrooms on top. | recipebyme.com

Nothing beats this meatloaf for a Sunday dinner It’s comfort food at its finest!

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I ensure the meatloaf stays moist?

Mix gently and avoid overworking the meat. Adding milk, eggs, and vegetables helps keep the loaf tender.

→ What type of mushrooms work best?

Cremini or white button mushrooms provide mild earthiness without overpowering other flavors.

→ Can I substitute different cheeses?

Gruyère or mozzarella are good alternatives if Swiss cheese is unavailable, offering a melty texture.

→ Is it necessary to cook the bacon beforehand?

Yes, cooking the bacon until crisp deepens flavor and ensures a delicious texture throughout the loaf.

→ What should I do if the top browns too quickly?

Tent loosely with foil during the final baking stage to prevent over-browning while allowing the loaf to finish cooking.

Bacon Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf

Juicy ground meat, bacon, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese form a savory, tender main dish perfect for cozy evenings.

Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
65 min
Total Time
90 min
By Sana: Sana

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary Categories: ~

Ingredients

→ Meat and Dairy

01 450 g ground beef
02 225 g ground pork
03 120 g shredded Swiss cheese
04 2 large eggs
05 120 ml milk
06 45 g grated Parmesan cheese

→ Vegetables

07 120 g finely chopped mushrooms
08 80 g finely chopped onions

→ Pantry

09 100 g dried breadcrumbs
10 4 slices bacon
11 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
12 80 ml ketchup, divided (30 ml in mix, 50 ml for topping)
13 5 ml garlic powder
14 5 ml dried thyme
15 2.5 ml salt
16 2.5 ml ground black pepper

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C to ensure even baking throughout.

Step 02

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and crumble. In the bacon drippings, sauté onions and mushrooms until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Step 03

In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, sautéed onions, mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and Swiss cheese. Add eggs, Worcestershire sauce, 30 ml ketchup, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until just incorporated; do not overmix.

Step 04

Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into a baking dish or onto a lined baking sheet. Evenly spread the remaining 50 ml ketchup over the top.

Step 05

Bake for 60–70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C.

Step 06

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.

Notes

  1. Allowing the loaf to rest after baking ensures it remains moist and slices easily.
  2. Use an instant-read thermometer for accurate doneness at 71°C.

Required Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Baking dish or lined sheet tray
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan, Swiss cheese, milk).
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs).
  • Contains eggs.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This data is provided as a guide and doesn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Fats: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 33 g