Swiss Bacon Mushroom Meatloaf (Print Version)

Juicy beef meatloaf with mushrooms inside, topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy bacon for a flavor-packed dinner.

# Ingredients:

→ Meatloaf Base

01 - 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
03 - 1 cup milk
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 small onion, finely diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - ½ cup mushrooms, finely chopped (button or cremini)
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - ½ tsp black pepper
12 - 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh)

→ Topping

13 - 6-8 slices Swiss cheese
14 - 4-5 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
15 - ½ cup mushrooms, sliced for sautéing
16 - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper or cooking spray.
02 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Allow to rest for 5 minutes until breadcrumbs have softened and absorbed the liquid.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, chopped mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain tenderness.
04 - Transfer meat mixture to prepared baking dish and form into a uniform loaf shape. Bake for 40-45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
05 - While meatloaf bakes, cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain and crumble. Using the same skillet with residual bacon fat, sauté mushroom slices until tender and lightly browned.
06 - Remove meatloaf from oven when almost done. Layer Swiss cheese slices across the top, then distribute sautéed mushrooms and crumbled bacon evenly. Return to oven for 10 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
07 - Allow meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your choice of side dishes.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness at 160°F (71°C).
02 - This meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad.