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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 efficient method to prepare a delicious three-layer meatloaf, perfect for a hearty meal. It combines different meat textures and flavors for a satisfying dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Base
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 0.5 lb ground pork
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 0.25 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Middle Layer
  • 0.5 lb ground veal
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Top Layer
  • 4 bacon strips
  • 0.25 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Loaf pan
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper; mix until just combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the ground veal with grated Parmesan cheese for the middle layer.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Press half of the beef and pork mixture into the prepared loaf pan to form the first layer.
  2. Evenly spread the ground veal and Parmesan mixture over the first layer.
  3. Top with the remaining beef and pork mixture, gently pressing to secure all layers.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, then spread this glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
  5. Arrange the bacon strips over the glaze.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is crispy.
Resting and Serving
  1. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  2. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

For extra moisture, consider adding a finely grated carrot or zucchini to the meatloaf base. To prevent the meatloaf from drying out, you can place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven during baking. The bacon not only adds flavor but also helps keep the top moist and delicious.