Delicious Keto Ham & Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (Hearty & Flavorful!)

Delicious Keto Ham & Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (Hearty & Flavorful!)

Get ready for a show-stopping and incredibly satisfying meal with this Delicious Keto Ham & Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf! Juicy ground beef is seasoned to perfection, then generously stuffed with layers of savory ham and melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a crispy blanket of bacon. This low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a comforting family dinner!

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (e.g., 80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor and moisture)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup crushed pork rinds (plain, unflavored, crushed finely to act as breadcrumbs)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

For the Stuffing & Wrapping:

• 4-6 slices deli-sliced ham (ensure low-carb, no added sugar)
• 8-10 slices cheddar cheese (e.g., sliced or block, thinly sliced)
• 10-12 slices thin-sliced or regular bacon

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium baking tray (approx. 9×13 inch or similar)
• Another baking tray (for bacon wrapping)
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula or clean hands

**Instructions on how to prepare Ham & Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf: **

1. Preheat Oven & Prep First Tray: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    
   • Line a medium baking tray (approx. 9×13 inches) with aluminum foil.
2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, finely crushed pork rinds, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
   • Mix until all ingredients are very well combined. It’s often easiest to do this by hand to ensure even distribution of seasonings and pork rinds.
3. Form & Stuff Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf mixture onto the center of the aluminum-lined baking tray.
   • Using your hands or a spatula, distribute the meat mixture evenly into a large rectangle, about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
   • Lay the ham slices evenly over the top of the meat mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Arrange the cheddar cheese slices evenly over the ham.
4. Roll the Meatloaf: Carefully lift one long edge of the meat mixture using the aluminum foil and gently roll the meatloaf tightly into a log, encasing the ham and cheese filling. Pinch the seams and ends to seal.
5. Prepare Bacon Wrap: Line another baking tray with a fresh piece of aluminum foil.
   • Lay the bacon slices side by side on this tray, slightly overlapping each other, creating a “mat” of bacon large enough to wrap around the meatloaf log.
   • Carefully transfer the prepared meatloaf roll/log onto the center of the bacon mat.
6. Wrap with Bacon & Initial Bake: Carefully roll up the meatloaf log with the bacon, ensuring the bacon fully encases the meatloaf and the seams are on the bottom.
    
   • Once wrapped, loosely cover the entire bacon-wrapped meatloaf roll with aluminum foil.
   • Bake the aluminum-wrapped roll in the preheated oven (350°F / 175°C) for 25 minutes.
7. Crisp Bacon & Final Bake: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil wrapping from the meatloaf. You may want to drain any excess grease from the pan at this point.
   • Increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C).
   • Place the unwrapped meatloaf back into the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and delightfully crispy, and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) (it will carry over cook to 165°F/74°C upon resting).
8. Rest & Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender and flavorful result.
   • Slice and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Pork Rind Crumbs: Ensure your pork rinds are finely crushed. You can do this in a food processor or by placing them in a bag and crushing with a rolling pin. They act as a binder and absorb moisture.
• Don’t Overmix Meat: Mix the meatloaf ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf.
• Sealing the Roll: Pinch the seams and ends of the meatloaf roll tightly to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking.
• Bacon Placement: Arrange the bacon strips tightly together, slightly overlapping, to ensure good coverage and a cohesive crispy crust.
• Drain Grease: You may want to drain excess grease from the pan after the initial foil-wrapped bake, especially if using higher-fat ground beef and bacon, to prevent the bacon from frying in too much grease during the crisping stage.
• Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before resting.
• Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting step! It’s crucial for juicy results.
• Serving Suggestions: This meatloaf is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with keto mashed cauliflower, steamed green beans, or a simple side salad.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:

This Keto Ham & Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is a delightful addition to your health journey!

• High Protein: Yes, from the ground beef, eggs, ham, bacon, and cheese.
• High Fat: Yes, from the ground beef, bacon, cheese, and eggs.
• Low-Carb: Yes, by using pork rinds as a binder and avoiding high-carb fillers.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, provided your hamand pork rinds do not contain hidden sugars or starches.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

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