The Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger meatloaf feels like culinary magic that blends comfort food with nostalgic diner flavors.

Savory beef mingles with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese, creating a hearty main dish.

Classic ingredients dance together in unexpected ways, promising a meal that sparks conversation.

Weeknight dinners just became seriously delicious with this innovative twist on traditional meatloaf.

Home cooks will appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Rich, juicy layers of flavor guarantee smiles around the dinner table.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it your new go-to comfort meal.

Tasty Sides for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Pair Crisp Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the rich, fatty flavors of the bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, balancing its hearty profile with refreshing bitterness.
• Serve Tangy Coleslaw: Prepare a zesty coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to provide a crunchy, acidic contrast that lightens the heavy meat dish and cleanses the palate.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts or crispy roasted potatoes to add earthy, caramelized notes that enhance the savory meatloaf and provide textural variety.
• Match with Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Malbec, which offers robust fruit flavors and enough tannins to stand up to the rich, meaty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf.

Creative Takes on Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Vegetarian Meatloaf: Swap ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils, using mushrooms for umami flavor and texture. Keep all other ingredients similar.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Verify Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use ground pork or turkey instead of beef, eliminate breadcrumbs, and replace ketchup with low-sugar tomato sauce. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate feta cheese instead of cheddar, add chopped olives, use sun-dried tomato paste instead of ketchup, and sprinkle with fresh oregano before serving.

FAQs

• What makes this meatloaf different from traditional meatloaf?

This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic meatloaf ingredients with burger-inspired flavors like pickles, Worcestershire sauce, and crispy bacon topping, creating a more exciting and indulgent dish.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground pork while maintaining similar cooking times and temperatures. Just ensure the meat reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the entire recipe gluten-free.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (70°C). The bacon should also look crispy and the cheese melted when it’s done cooking.

Why Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Is a Dinner Hit

• Transform the traditional meatloaf into a mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger-inspired masterpiece that brings excitement to dinner.
• Prepare this one-pan wonder with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing deliciousness.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding extra toppings, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.
• Deliver a hearty meal that combines beloved burger flavors with the comforting texture of classic meatloaf, guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

What You’ll Need for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Core protein for the hearty meatloaf.
• Bacon: Adds rich flavor and crispy texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Help hold the meatloaf together.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Enhance moisture and depth of flavor.

• Onion, Pickles, Garlic: Provide savory and tangy notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Season and balance the overall taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, melty goodness.
• Brown Sugar, Mustard, Additional Ketchup: Create a sweet and tangy glaze.

How to Cook Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Like a Pro

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Base

Grab a roomy mixing bowl and toss in ground beef.

Add breadcrumbs and splash in milk to keep the meat super moist.

Chop up onions and pickles into tiny pieces.

Mince garlic for extra punch.

Pour in Worcestershire sauce for deep, rich flavor.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Mix everything thoroughly until ingredients are beautifully blended.

Step 2: Shape Delicious Meatloaf

Carefully form the meat mixture into a gorgeous loaf shape.

Transfer the loaf into a baking dish, ensuring it’s centered and ready for its bacon blanket.

Step 3: Wrap with Crispy Bacon

Carefully drape bacon strips across the entire surface of the meatloaf.

Tuck the bacon edges underneath to create a neat, appetizing presentation.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon layer.

The cheese will melt and create an irresistible golden crust.

Step 5: Create Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Spread this sweet and tangy glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

The bacon should look deliciously crispy and the cheese melted.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice super succulent.

Cut into thick, hearty slices and serve alongside your favorite sides.

Tricks to Nailing Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Drain excess moisture from pickles and onions before mixing to keep the meatloaf firm and prevent sogginess.
• Overlap bacon strips slightly to ensure complete coverage and crispy texture across the entire meatloaf surface.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) to manage the overall richness and prevent excessive greasiness in the dish.
• Add a splash of Dijon mustard or a pinch of smoked paprika to intensify the burger-like flavor profile of the meatloaf.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the meatloaf reaches 160°F, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Storage Made Easy

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain best quality and flavor.
• Place individual slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety and preserving texture.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling bacon cheeseburger meatloaf merges classic comfort with bold burger flavors, creating a hearty meal that celebrates American culinary creativity. Juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese combine in a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 4 slices bacon
• ½ cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup (40g) finely chopped onion
• ¼ cup (40g) finely chopped dill pickles

Seasoning and Glaze Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Glaze:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare workstation by gathering all ingredients and preheating oven to 350°F.
2. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, diced onion, chopped pickles, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
3. Thoroughly blend ingredients using hands or spatula until mixture becomes uniform and well-incorporated.
4. Transfer meat mixture into a baking dish, carefully molding into a compact rectangular shape with slight dome on top.
5. Meticulously drape uncooked bacon strips horizontally across the meatloaf surface, ensuring complete coverage and tucking edges underneath.
6. Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese over bacon layer for enhanced flavor and texture.
7. Create tangy glaze by whisking ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth and glossy.
8. Evenly spread prepared glaze across entire meatloaf surface, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
9. Place meatloaf in preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, monitoring until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
10. Remove from oven and allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring easier slicing.
11. Slice into thick portions and serve with complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the meatloaf moist without being too fatty.
• Finely chop onions and pickles to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks disrupting the texture.
• Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
• Drain excess bacon grease halfway through cooking to prevent the meatloaf from becoming too greasy.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or gluten-free oats.
• Test doneness with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfect moisture level.
• Let meatloaf rest before slicing to help it maintain structural integrity and lock in juices.
• Customize the glaze by adding hot sauce or sriracha for extra kick and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg