Stuffed Cabbage Meatloaf with Cheese and Bacon

1. Prepare the cabbage leaves:

• Blanch the cabbage leaves by placing them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and pliable. Remove them and set them aside to cool.

2. Make the stuffing:

• In a small pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
• If using cooked rice, add it to the pan with the onions, followed by the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well-mixed. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the meatloaf mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
• Add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon to the meat mixture, and stir to combine.

4. Assemble the stuffed meatloaf:

• 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!