The Best Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Your Family Will Love

Juicy bacon cheeseburger meatloaf brings classic diner comfort directly to your home kitchen with an unexpected twist.

Comfort food just got a serious upgrade from traditional recipes.

Savory ground beef mingles with melted cheese and crispy bacon bits for a seriously delicious meal.

Rich flavors burst through every single slice, promising a hearty dinner that satisfies deep hunger.

Strategic layering creates incredible texture and ensures maximum taste in each perfect bite.

Weekend cooking demands something special, and this meatloaf delivers pure deliciousness.

Pairing Ideas for Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Pair with Crisp Beer Complement: Select a cold, hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the rich, fatty flavors of the bacon cheeseburger meatloaf. The beer's carbonation and bitter notes will refresh your palate between each savory bite.
• Create Tangy Side Salad: Whip up a quick coleslaw with apple cider vinegar, shredded cabbage, and a touch of honey. The acidic, crunchy salad will balance the meatloaf's heavy texture and provide a bright, refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Roasted Potato Wedges: Toss russet potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Roast until golden and crispy, creating the perfect crunchy companion that echoes the bacon's textural elements and complements the meatloaf's hearty profile.
• Match with Zesty Pickle Relish: Prepare a homemade pickle relish with diced pickles, red onion, and a splash of mustard. This condiment will enhance the meatloaf's burger-like flavors and add a tangy, bright dimension to each slice.

Meatloaf Variations You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium ketchup, skip added salt, and choose reduced-sodium bacon to create a heart-friendly alternative.
• Turkey Swap: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option with reduced fat content.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-based protein crumbles, maintaining similar flavor profile and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef. Keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so the meatloaf might be slightly less moist.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Adding milk and ketchup to the mixture helps keep the meatloaf tender and juicy. Don’t overmix the ingredients and avoid overcooking.

• What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce or use a mix of soy sauce and vinegar to provide a similar umami and tangy flavor profile.

• Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Is a Favorite

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform traditional meatloaf into a mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger masterpiece that brings excitement to dinner.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Preparation: Combine ingredients in one bowl, mix, shape, and bake – perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Packed with familiar cheeseburger flavors that kids and adults will love, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily pair with various sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or salad, making this recipe adaptable for different meal preferences and occasions.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful base for the meatloaf.
• Bacon: Crispy strips that add smoky richness.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatloaf together.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the mixture.

• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy and savory sauce components.
• Onion, Pickles, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that boost overall taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melty and sharp cheese that adds creaminess.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: Sweet and tangy topping for extra flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced taste.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), getting it ready for a mouthwatering meat adventure.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Meatloaf Base

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Ketchup
• Chopped onion
• Diced pickles
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until the mixture looks perfectly combined and exciting.

Step 3: Shape the Meaty Masterpiece

Mold the mixture into a gorgeous loaf shape, carefully placing it in a baking dish or loaf pan.

Step 4: Wrap with Crispy Bacon

Drape bacon slices elegantly over the top of the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath for a beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheesy Goodness

Scatter shredded cheddar cheese generously across the bacon-covered surface.

Step 6: Craft a Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Spread this zesty glaze evenly over the meatloaf, creating a mouthwatering top layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.

You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 160°F (70°C) and the bacon looks irresistibly crispy.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Pull the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.

Slice and serve with your favorite sides for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Meatloaf Tips That Make a Difference

• Mix ground beef with ground pork or turkey for enhanced flavor and reduced fat content, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Avoid overmixing ingredients to keep the texture moist and tender, gently combining components just until incorporated.
• Slightly overlap bacon strips and ensure they drape over the edges for complete coverage and crispy texture around the entire meatloaf.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss to personalize the meatloaf's flavor and add unexpected richness.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.

How to Store and Reheat Bacon Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Heat meatloaf slices on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory bacon cheeseburger meatloaf brings classic diner comfort straight to home kitchens. Juicy ground beef packed with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings creates a hearty meal perfect for dinner gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 4 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel and combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, infusing moisture with milk and introducing robust flavor enhancers like ketchup, diced onion, chopped pickles, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Thoroughly blend ingredients until they form a cohesive, uniform mixture without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
3. Sculpt the meat mixture into a compact, symmetrical loaf, ensuring even dimensions for consistent cooking.
4. Select a suitable baking vessel and carefully transfer the raw meatloaf, positioning it centrally.
5. Elegantly drape bacon strips across the meatloaf’s surface, meticulously tucking strip ends underneath to create a seamless coverage.
6. Generously cascade shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon layer, allowing for complete and even distribution.
7. Craft a tantalizing glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth and glossy.
8. Lavishly spread the prepared glaze atop the bacon-covered meatloaf, ensuring complete and attractive coverage.
9. Position the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F oven, allowing it to roast for approximately one hour until internal temperature reaches 160°F and bacon achieves a crisp, golden appearance.
10. Extract the meatloaf from the oven and permit a brief resting period of 10 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and facilitates clean, precise slicing.
11. Slice and present the meatloaf alongside complementary side dishes, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier, leaner protein options that maintain delicious flavor profile.
• Dice bacon into smaller pieces and mix throughout meatloaf for more consistent bacon flavor in every single bite.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make recipe completely gluten-free without compromising texture or taste.
• Enhance moisture by adding grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms, which contribute extra nutrients and keep meatloaf incredibly juicy.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg