BBQ Bacon-Stuffed Meat Loaf

By Motto

Ingredients

• 8 oz. fresh mushrooms
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled, divided
• 3 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 tbsp. smoky barbecue rub, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/2 tsp. each salt and coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 lbs. 85% lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup ketchup

Preparation

Step 1

Thinly slice mushrooms. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until mushrooms begin to brown. Remove skillet from heat. Set aside 1 tbsp. of the crumbled bacon. Add remaining bacon to mushrooms; mix well.

Meanwhile, cut bread into cubes. In stainless mixing bowl, combine bread, milk, onion, parsley, egg yolk, 2 tbsp. of the rub, pressed garlic, salt and black pepper; mix well. Add beef to bread mixture; mix. Place two-thirds of the meat mixture in deep covered baker; form into a 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. loaf. Gently press down the center of the loaf to create a well. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the cheese in the well. Top with bacon mixture and an additional 1/2 cup of the cheese. Place remaining meat mixture over filling; press to seal.

Microwave, covered, on HIGH 14-17 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145 degree in the center. Carefully remove baker from microwave using oven mitts. Meanwhile, combine ketchup and remaining rub; stir. Brush ketchup mixture over meat loaf. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 3-5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees in the center. Sprinkle remaining cheese and reserved bacon over top of meat loaf; let stand, covered, 10 minutes before slicing.