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Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic meatloaf, combining the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with crispy bacon. This hearty dish is packed with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon, then baked to perfection. Ready in just over an hour, it’s the ultimate comfort food for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices cooked bacon chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced pickles optional
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce for topping

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, eggs, and diced onions. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan. Transfer the meat mixture onto the baking sheet and shape it into a loaf, or press it into the loaf pan. Ensure the meatloaf is even in thickness for proper cooking. If you’re using a loaf pan, leave a little space on the sides to allow excess fat to drain.
  3. Brush the top of the meatloaf with BBQ sauce for extra flavor and a caramelized crust. This step adds a smoky-sweet glaze that enhances the overall taste. For an added cheeseburger-like effect, you can layer on extra shredded cheddar cheese or place bacon strips on top before baking.
  4. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you want a crispier crust, broil the meatloaf for the last 5 minutes of cooking. About 10 minutes before it finishes baking, you can add extra cheese or bacon bits on top for a crispy, cheesy topping.
  5. Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps retain its juices and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Leftovers can be used for sandwiches or crumbled into pasta dishes for added flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent melting. Freshly shredded cheddar melts better and gives a richer flavor.
  • Don’t overmix – Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Mix just until combined.
  • Try different meats – Substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for a juicier texture.
  • Let it rest – Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Pair it with the perfect side – Try it with Mac & Cheese for a rich, indulgent meal.
  • Enhance the flavor – A few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can add depth to the dish.
  • Make it keto-friendly – Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version.