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A freshly baked meatloaf, still warm from the oven, with a glistening glaze.

Quick way to grow the perfect 3-layer Meatloaf

This recipe provides a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious three-layer meatloaf, perfect for a satisfying meal. It simplifies the classic comfort food into an accessible and flavorful dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Base
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 0.5 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 0.25 cup onion, chopped
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Middle Layer
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Top Layer
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Equipment

  • loaf pan
  • large bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
Make Meatloaf Base
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Assemble Layers
  1. Press half of the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the meatloaf base. Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture, gently pressing to form an even layer.
Prepare Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze.
Bake
  1. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve
  1. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender meatloaf.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can sauté the onions before adding them to the meatloaf mixture. This meatloaf can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Ensure it comes to room temperature before baking for even cooking.