Maple BBQ Bacon Meatloaf Mac (Printable View)

Smoky bacon meatloaf filled with creamy mac and cheddar, topped with maple BBQ glaze for ultimate flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meat Mixture

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 pound ground pork
03 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
04 - 1/2 cup chopped onion
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/4 cup whole milk
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Macaroni Filling

10 - 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Glaze

12 - 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
13 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, whole milk, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
03 - On a lined baking sheet, shape half of the meat mixture into a loaf, creating a well in the center for filling.
04 - In a separate bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
05 - Spoon the macaroni and cheese mixture into the well in the base meat layer, spreading evenly.
06 - Cover the filling with the remaining meat mixture, pressing gently to form a cohesive loaf and completely encase the macaroni and cheese.
07 - In a small bowl, stir together barbecue sauce and maple syrup until fully blended.
08 - Brush the entire surface of the meatloaf with the maple barbecue glaze.
09 - Bake on the center rack for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) as measured by a food thermometer.
10 - Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - Ensure meat is not overmixed to preserve tenderness. Allow meatloaf to rest after baking so juices redistribute for optimal slicing.