Bacon makes everything better and this delicious meatloaf recipe is amazing with the addition of bacon and cheddar cheese. It's like a bacon cheeseburger in meatloaf form!
Cut bacon into small pieces and cook in a large skillet on the stove-top until bacon is crispy. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels and allow the bacon to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, half of the cooked bacon, bread crumbs, eggs, ranch dressing mix, salt and pepper until well combined.
Place meat mixture on a baking sheet or cutting board and shape into loaf shape.
Make a wide indentation in the top and add 1/2 cup of cheese, then fold over the sides to seal on top, creating a pocket of cheese in the middle of the meatloaf.
Gently place the meatloaf in a lightly greased 6 quart or larger slow cooker (or use a slow cooker liner sprayed with non-stick cooking spray).
Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon on top.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and barbecue sauce, then pour on top and spread until the top of the meatloaf is covered.
Cover slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours until the internal temperature of the meatloaf registers 160°F (72°C) on an instant read meat thermometer.