Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe: Comfort Food Magic

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible bacon cheeseburger meatloaf that combines classic burger flavors in a hearty, satisfying dish.

Juicy ground beef mingles with crispy bacon and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering blend that screams pure indulgence.

Each slice promises a burst of savory goodness that’ll make dinner feel like a celebration.

Sharp cheddar and smoky bacon elevate this meatloaf from ordinary to extraordinary.

The recipe transforms traditional meatloaf into a crowd-pleasing meal that disappears faster than you can say “seconds.” Rich, decadent, and packed with bold flavors, this dish guarantees smiles around the table.

Why Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Is a Favorite

• Savor Comfort Fusion: Transform traditional meatloaf into a mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger experience that combines classic comfort food with exciting burger flavors.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Prepare this hearty dish with minimal prep work, using straightforward ingredients and easy mixing techniques that make dinner a breeze.
• Family-Pleasing Meal: Guarantee smiles around the table with a crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, delivering familiar and beloved bacon cheeseburger tastes in a satisfying loaf format.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding extra seasonings, or topping with additional bacon to match your family's unique preferences and taste buds.

Must-Have Ingredients for Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty base and main structure of the meatloaf.
• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture to the meatloaf.

• Cheddar Cheese: Contributes rich, sharp flavor and helps bind the meatloaf together.
• Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent to hold the meatloaf ingredients together.
• Breadcrumbs: Help absorb moisture and create a consistent texture in the meatloaf.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides deep, savory umami flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall taste and seasoning of the meatloaf.

• Ketchup, Mustard, Brown Sugar: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf.

How to Prepare Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

This will ensure your meatloaf cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until it turns wonderfully crispy.

Once done, crumble the bacon into delightful little pieces and set them aside for later.

Step 3: Create the Meaty Mixture

• Ground beef
• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Shape and Prepare

Form the meat mixture into a beautiful loaf shape.

Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or inside a loaf pan, ensuring it’s evenly spread.

Step 5: Whip Up the Glaze

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Brown sugar

Spread this tangy-sweet glaze generously over the top of your meatloaf.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice incredibly moist.

Slice and serve warm, enjoying the delicious combination of bacon, cheese, and savory meat.

Tips for Juicy Bacon Meatloaf

• Cook bacon in a skillet or oven until perfectly crispy for maximum flavor and optimal texture in the meatloaf.
• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep the meat tender and moist during baking.
• Shred cheese finely and fold evenly throughout the meat mixture to ensure consistent cheesy bites in every slice.
• Brush the ketchup-mustard-brown sugar glaze generously but not too thickly to create a delicious caramelized coating without overwhelming the meat.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that maintains the original recipe's rich flavor profile.

Flavor Ideas for Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Vegetarian Meatloaf Makeover: Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based protein crumbles, using smoked paprika for bacon-like flavor and nutritional yeast for cheesy notes.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour, use ground turkey instead of beef, and add extra cheese for binding and richness.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds, ensure all condiments are gluten-free, and verify cheese does not contain gluten additives.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs like oregano, replacing traditional cheddar with a Mediterranean cheese profile.

Serving Suggestions for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Burger Night Companion: Pair the meatloaf with classic french fries or crispy potato wedges for a hearty meal that feels like your favorite diner experience.
• Salad Fresh Balance: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy ranch dressing to cut through the rich, meaty flavors and add a light, refreshing element.
• Comfort Side Kick: Whip up some creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn to complement the robust bacon cheeseburger meatloaf and create a satisfying dinner plate.
• Leftover Magic: Transform cold slices into delicious sandwiches the next day, adding extra cheese and lettuce between soft bread for a quick lunch option.

Storing Cheeseburger Meatloaf for Later Meals

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Slice cooled meatloaf, wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Adjust cooking time and check internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in ingredients like eggs and Worcestershire sauce, which help retain moisture. Don’t overmix the meat and avoid overcooking.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar is ideal, but you can also use monterey jack, pepper jack, or swiss cheese for different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The bacon cheeseburger flavors appeal to both children and adults, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf delivers classic comfort with a savory twist, blending ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Packed with bold flavors and easy to prepare, you’ll savor every satisfying bite of this crowd-pleasing meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef (80/20)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Binding and Texture:

• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F, preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Crisp bacon in a skillet until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, then crumble into small pieces.
3. Combine ground beef with crumbled bacon, grated cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
4. Gently blend ingredients, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
5. Form the meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Whisk together ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar to create a tangy glaze.
7. Generously spread the glaze over the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring even coverage.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
9. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
10. Slice into thick portions and serve while warm, garnishing with additional cheese or herbs if desired.

Notes

• Crumble bacon finely to ensure even distribution throughout the meatloaf for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while maintaining the juicy texture of the meatloaf.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version that’s equally delicious.
• Add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, crispy cheese crust that elevates the presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg