Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Prepare Meatloaf Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Shape and Bake:

Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan.

Spread the ketchup mixture on top, if using.

Bake:

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).

Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.

Serving and Storage Tips