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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Mushrooms
1. In a large skillet, cook the **chopped bacon** over medium heat until crispy, about **5-7 minutes**. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. In the same skillet, add the **chopped mushrooms**, **onion**, and **garlic**. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and the onions soften, about **5 minutes**. Remove from heat and let cool.
#### Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **breadcrumbs**, **milk**, **egg**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **dried thyme** (if using). Mix until just combined – be careful not to overwork the meat to avoid a tough meatloaf.
4. Add the cooked **bacon** and **mushroom mixture** to the bowl, along with the **shredded Swiss cheese**. Gently mix everything together until evenly distributed.
#### Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
5. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Transfer the meat mixture to a **greased loaf pan** and shape it into a loaf. Alternatively, you can shape it by hand and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the **ketchup** and **Dijon mustard**. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze.
7. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about **45-55 minutes**, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (an internal temperature of **160°F** or **71°C**). For an extra touch, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes to get the top crispy and caramelized.
#### Step 4: Let It Rest and Serve
8. Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about **10 minutes** before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures you get a nice, clean slice.
9. Slice and serve with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Trust us, this meatloaf is so flavorful that it doesn’t need much else to be the star of the meal.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– **Bacon makes everything better**: Bacon adds the perfect smoky, crispy texture that pairs beautifully with the tender beef and creamy Swiss cheese.
– **Mushrooms add depth**: Mushrooms give the meatloaf a savory, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste and keeps the meatloaf moist.
– **Cheese for a creamy finish**: Swiss cheese melts into the meatloaf, creating pockets of creamy, gooey goodness that melt in your mouth.
– **A twist on tradition**: If you love classic meatloaf but want to elevate it, this is the recipe to try. It’s the same comfort food you know and love, just with a flavorful twist.
### Tips for Success:
– **Use a meat thermometer**: To ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
– **Let it rest**: Don’t skip the resting step! Letting the meatloaf sit for 10 minutes after baking helps it retain its juices and makes for a much better slice.
– **Customize the cheese**: If you’re not a fan of Swiss, feel free to swap in cheddar, mozzarella, or even Gouda for a different flavor profile.
– **Add extra veggies**: For an added boost of nutrition, you can sneak in some finely chopped carrots or zucchini into the meat mixture.
### Conclusion
This **Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf** is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. The smoky bacon, savory mushrooms, and gooey Swiss cheese come together to create a meatloaf that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Next time you’re in the mood for a classic dinner with a delicious upgrade, give this meatloaf recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
**Enjoy your bacon, mushroom, and Swiss cheese-filled meatloaf, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family!**
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