The Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe For Dinner Tonight

Sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering bbq bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe promises a flavor explosion that combines classic comfort food with grilled perfection.

Juicy ground beef gets an upgrade with crispy bacon and melted cheese, creating a hearty meal that screams indulgence.

Every bite delivers a tantalizing blend of smoky barbecue sauce and rich, savory ingredients.

The recipe transforms a traditional meatloaf into a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a backyard cookout.

Layers of bacon and cheese add irresistible texture and depth to this all-American dish.

Home cooks will love how simple it is to prepare this crowd-stopping meal.

What You’ll Need for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: The primary meat base that provides rich flavor and protein for the meatloaf.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture and enhances the overall meaty taste of the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: Work together to bind the meatloaf and keep it moist and tender.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor and helps create a melty texture.
• Ketchup, BBQ Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Contribute tangy and sweet flavor profiles.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth and balanced seasoning.
• Chopped Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and texture to the meatloaf.

Instructions for a BBQ Meatloaf Dinner

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Space

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Milk
• Ketchup
• BBQ sauce
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chopped onion

Blend everything thoroughly until the ingredients are perfectly integrated.

Step 3: Shape Your Meatloaf

Mold the mixture into a beautiful loaf shape.

Transfer it carefully onto the prepared baking sheet or into the loaf pan.

Step 4: Add Extra BBQ Goodness

Generously spread additional BBQ sauce across the top of the meatloaf, creating a mouthwatering glaze that will caramelize during cooking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe and delicious eating.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

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

This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Optional: Garnish with pickles or sliced onions for extra crunch and flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your flavor-packed creation!

Pro Tips for Flavorful BBQ Meatloaf

• Crumble bacon finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the meatloaf, ensuring each bite has a delicious smoky taste.
• Add milk to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent it from becoming dry or crumbly during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat every time.
• Apply extra BBQ sauce on top during the last 15 minutes of baking for a caramelized, glossy finish that enhances overall flavor.
• Prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight cooking easier.

Cheeseburger Meatloaf Variations Worth Trying

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version.
• Lean Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for lower-fat alternative with similar flavor profile.
• Veggie-Loaded Option: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutritional content and add extra moisture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Fun Ways to Serve Meatloaf

• Burger Night Sidekick: Pair this meatloaf with crispy french fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that'll satisfy serious comfort food cravings.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Slice cold leftovers and make sandwiches for an amazing next-day lunch, adding extra pickles and a dollop of mayo for zesty flavor.
• Weekend Gathering Star: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables to transform this meatloaf into an impressive family dinner centerpiece that everyone will love.
• Flavor Booster Topping: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits and a drizzle of warm BBQ sauce on top right before serving to enhance the meaty, smoky goodness of this delicious dish.

Meatloaf Storage for Later Meals

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slices in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add extra BBQ sauce for moisture.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel.

FAQs

• Is this meatloaf spicy?

The meatloaf has mild seasonings like garlic and onion powder, which add flavor without making it spicy. The BBQ sauce provides a tangy sweetness rather than heat.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Just ensure the meat reaches the same internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meat is safely cooked through and prevents dryness.

Why BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Is Always a Hit

• Flavor Explosion: Combines classic BBQ bacon cheeseburger flavors into a hearty meatloaf that delivers maximum taste in every single bite.
• Quick Family Comfort: Perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry family members with its familiar and crowd-pleasing ingredients guaranteed to make everyone happy.
• Simple Meal Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools, allowing even novice cooks to create a delicious main dish without stress or complicated techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlines cooking process by mixing ingredients in a single bowl and baking on one sheet, which means less cleanup and more relaxation after dinner.

Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 32 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling bbq bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic comfort with grilled flavor, merging two beloved American classics into one mouthwatering dish. Hearty and packed with smoky bacon, melted cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce, you’ll savor each rich, satisfying bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 large eggs

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup milk

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup BBQ sauce (for mixing)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

BBQ Glaze:

• 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, milk, ketchup, BBQ sauce, egg, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Gently form the meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, ensuring no air pockets remain.
3. Prepare a baking sheet or loaf pan by lining with parchment paper, then transfer the shaped meatloaf to the prepared surface.
4. Generously brush the entire surface of the meatloaf with additional BBQ sauce, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
5. Position the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F oven, allowing it to roast for 55-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
7. Slice the meatloaf into thick, hearty portions and garnish with optional pickles or fresh chopped onions before serving immediately.

Notes

• Ensure ground beef is at room temperature for even mixing and better texture.
• Opt for thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and crispy texture when crumbled.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for celiac-friendly version.
• Add extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who love more intense flavor profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 408 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 702 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 142 mg