Stuffed Cabbage Meatloaf with Cheese and Bacon

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Take the cabbage leaves and overlap them slightly on a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap, forming a surface large enough to wrap around the meatloaf.
• Spread the meat mixture evenly over the cabbage leaves, pressing down to form a rectangle or oval shape.
• Spoon the cabbage stuffing mixture along the center of the meat mixture. Carefully fold the cabbage leaves over the meatloaf, wrapping it like a package.

5. Bake the meatloaf:

• Place the stuffed meatloaf seam-side down on a baking sheet or in a greased baking dish.
• Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).

6. Serve:

• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips:

• Blanching cabbage: To blanch cabbage, simply cut off the core of the cabbage and carefully peel off 6-8 large leaves. Boil them in salted water for about 2-3 minutes to soften, then cool in ice water to stop the cooking process.
• Customize the stuffing: You can add mushrooms, carrots, or even a touch of tomato sauce to the stuffing for extra flavor.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare the stuffed meatloaf a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This helps the flavors meld together.

This Stuffed Cabbage Meatloaf with Cheese and Bacon is a unique and flavorful variation of classic meatloaf, combining the savory goodness of cabbage, cheese, bacon, and seasoned meat for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy!