Description

This Jalapeno Popper Meatloaf Wrapped in Bacon is a flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, combining spicy jalapeños, creamy cheeses, and savory bacon for a deliciously rich and satisfying meal. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection and topped with crispy bacon, it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances heat and creaminess in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

2 large eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin (optional)
2 pounds meatloaf mix or ground beef
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Jalapeño Cheese Filling

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 jalapeños (seeded and diced)
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Bacon Wrap

8 ounces bacon

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
Prepare Gelatin Mixture: Beat the eggs in a large bowl, then add the unflavored gelatin and whisk together thoroughly. Allow this mixture to sit for at least 5 minutes to let the gelatin bloom, which helps bind the meatloaf.
Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: Add the ground meat, almond flour, parmesan cheese, sea salt, and black pepper to the egg and gelatin mixture. Use your hands to combine everything evenly until fully incorporated.
Make Jalapeño Cheese Filling: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, minced onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until uniformly combined.
Form Bottom Meatloaf Layer: Lay out one-third of the meat mixture onto a roasting pan or parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping it into a rectangular layer.
Spread Cheese Filling: Evenly spread the jalapeño cheese mixture over the meat layer, stopping about half an inch from the edges to allow for sealing.
Add Top Meatloaf Layer: Use the remaining meat mixture to cover the cream cheese layer completely, pressing down to seal the edges and enclose the filling.
Wrap with Bacon: Arrange the slices of bacon around and over the meatloaf, allowing the strips to overlap to ensure full coverage and flavor infusion.
Bake Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Broil for Crispiness: After baking, switch the oven setting to broil. Broil the bacon-wrapped meatloaf until the bacon is crispy and golden, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Rest Before Serving: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes to let the juices redistribute, ensuring moist slices when served.

Notes

Unflavored gelatin is optional but helps improve the texture and binding of the meatloaf.
Seed the jalapeños to reduce heat if a milder spice level is preferred.
Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
Resting the meatloaf after baking is crucial for juicy slices and better flavor.
You can substitute ground beef with a meatloaf mix that includes pork for extra flavor.
Broiling time varies depending on your oven—watch closely to avoid burning the bacon.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes baking + 5-7 minutes broiling
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: meatloaf, jalapeño popper, bacon wrapped, spicy meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, comfort food, baked meatloaf