Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe That Wows Every Time

Comfort food reaches new heights with this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf that combines classic diner flavors into a hearty home-cooked meal.

Juicy ground beef mingles with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese for an irresistible twist.

Nostalgia meets innovation in every savory slice packed with familiar burger ingredients.

Imagine the satisfaction of cutting into a meatloaf that tastes exactly like your favorite cheeseburger.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will find pure delight in this creative recipe.

Each bite promises a delicious journey through familiar yet unexpected taste combinations.

Prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this mouthwatering culinary creation that elevates traditional meatloaf.

Why Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Is Worth Trying

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transform traditional meatloaf into a crowd-favorite dish that combines beloved bacon cheeseburger flavors, making every bite irresistibly delicious.
• Minimal Kitchen Prep: Blend ingredients quickly in one bowl, mix with hands, and shape without complicated techniques, perfect for home cooks seeking straightforward meal preparation.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve as a hearty dinner centerpiece or slice for sandwiches, lunch boxes, and next-day leftovers, ensuring maximum meal flexibility for busy households.
• Family-Friendly Fusion: Merge classic meatloaf with popular cheeseburger elements, creating a kid-approved meal that satisfies both adult and child taste preferences without complex ingredients.

What’s In Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that forms the foundation of the meatloaf.
• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: Help bind the ingredients together and keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the meaty flavor with its tangy and umami profile.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, creamy taste that complements the meat.
• Onion, Garlic: Add depth and aromatic complexity to the meatloaf.
• Ketchup, Mustard: Contribute a sweet and tangy element that mimics classic cheeseburger flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and highlight the overall taste.

Easy Guide To Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Getting the temperature right is key to cooking this mouthwatering meatloaf perfectly.

Step 2: Combine Flavor Powerhouses

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped bacon
• Ketchup
• Milk
• Egg
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Mustard (optional)

Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until it’s completely blended. The goal is to create a harmonious flavor explosion in every bite.

Step 3: Craft the Perfect Loaf

Transfer the meaty mixture into a loaf pan. Gently press and shape it into a classic loaf form. Don’t stress about making it look perfect – rustic is delicious!

Step 4: Create a Tangy Glaze

Slather a generous layer of ketchup across the top of the meatloaf. This adds a zingy, sweet coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the loaf pan into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 60 to 75 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 160°F and the exterior looks gorgeously browned.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Pull the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This magical resting period helps it hold together when slicing. For an extra flavor punch, drizzle some yellow mustard on each slice.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Plate up your masterpiece alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp salad. Get ready to enjoy a comfort food classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips To Get Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Just Right

• Enhance Meat Mixture: Gently mix ingredients to prevent tough meatloaf, ensuring a tender and juicy result without overworking the ground beef.
• Control Bacon Crispness: Partially cook bacon before adding to the mixture for extra crunch and preventing excess grease in the final dish.
• Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Use milk and egg as binding agents to maintain moisture, creating a succulent texture that doesn't crumble when sliced.
• Check Temperature Accurately: Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf every time.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to add unique taste dimensions to the classic recipe.

Ways To Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Different

• Vegetarian Loaf Swap: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives for a meat-free version packed with protein.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, ensuring a carb-conscious meal that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Mediterranean-Style Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano instead of cheddar and bacon for a Mediterranean-inspired meatloaf experience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate individuals with wheat sensitivities while preserving the original recipe's delicious essence.

Good Sides For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the bacon cheeseburger meatloaf.
• Craft Classic Beer Match: Choose a crisp American lager or hoppy IPA that cuts through the fatty bacon and cheese, refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Elevate with Tangy Side Sauce: Whip up a quick burger-style sauce mixing ketchup, mustard, and mayo to enhance the cheeseburger theme and add zesty brightness.
• Balance with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to contrast the heavy, savory meatloaf and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Storing Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Made Simple

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerated meatloaf stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Slice meatloaf before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen meatloaf maintains quality for up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place meatloaf slice on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through. Add splash of broth to prevent dryness.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf FAQ You Might Need

• Is bacon cheeseburger meatloaf different from traditional meatloaf?

This recipe combines classic meatloaf with cheeseburger flavors by adding cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and ketchup topping. It transforms the traditional meatloaf into a more exciting and flavorful dish.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute with ground turkey, ground pork, or a blend of meats. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatloaf moist.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The meatloaf is safe to eat when it reaches 160°F (70°C). This ensures the meat is fully cooked and safe to consume.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 85 to 90 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf brings classic diner flavors straight to your home kitchen. Rich ground beef mingles with crispy bacon and melted cheese, creating a comfort meal that satisfies deep hunger and delivers nostalgia on a plate.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 0.5 cup (120 grams) cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 large egg

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon mustard (optional)

Cheese and Sauce:

• 0.5 cup (120 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup (plus extra for topping)
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) yellow mustard (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the savory meatloaf.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate ground beef with breadcrumbs, diced onions, minced garlic, shredded cheddar, crispy bacon fragments, ketchup, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and mustard.
3. Thoroughly integrate all components using hands or utensil, ensuring uniform distribution of flavors and consistent texture throughout the mixture.
4. Transfer the combined ingredients into a loaf pan, carefully molding the mixture into a compact, even formation that will maintain structural integrity during cooking.
5. Lavish the surface with an additional layer of ketchup, creating a vibrant glaze that will caramelize during the baking process.
6. Position the prepared loaf in the preheated oven, allowing it to roast for 60-75 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the exterior develops a rich, golden-brown coloration.
7. Remove from the oven and permit the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and facilitating cleaner, more precise slicing.
8. Slice the meatloaf into portions, optionally embellishing with a drizzle of yellow mustard for an extra flavor dimension.
9. Serve alongside complementary side dishes, presenting a hearty and indulgent meal that celebrates comfort food at its finest.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish slightly healthier while maintaining rich flavor.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds for low-carb and gluten-sensitive diets.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
• Pre-cook bacon until crispy before mixing into meatloaf to enhance texture and ensure even bacon distribution throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 to 75 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 689 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg