If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the comfort of a classic meatloaf and the irresistible appeal of a bacon cheeseburger, this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the flavors you love from your favorite burger – juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy pickles – transformed into a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for weeknight meals or Sunday suppers.
This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe takes the best of both worlds and creates something truly spectacular. Instead of the traditional meatloaf that might leave you reaching for ketchup, this version is packed with flavor from the inside out. The combination of ground beef mixed with bacon pieces, topped with gooey melted cheese, and served with all your favorite burger fixings makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe particularly special is how it captures that quintessential American comfort food experience while being incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters who love cheeseburgers or adults who appreciate a sophisticated twist on classic comfort food, this meatloaf delivers on all fronts.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
This isn’t just another meatloaf recipe – it’s a complete flavor experience. The bacon adds a smoky richness that permeates every bite, while the cheese creates pockets of creamy indulgence throughout the loaf. The addition of classic burger seasonings like onion powder, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce ensures that every slice tastes like your favorite restaurant burger in meatloaf form.
The beauty of this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe lies in its versatility and make-ahead potential. You can prepare it in the morning and have it ready for the oven when you come home from work, or even freeze portions for future meals. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, feeding a family of 6-8 people for a fraction of what you’d spend on restaurant burgers.
Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
For the Meatloaf:
• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Glaze:
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For Topping:
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped (for garnish)
Instructions for Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 8
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook 12 strips of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop 8 strips for the meatloaf mixture and reserve 4 strips for garnish.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped bacon, 1 cup shredded cheese, beaten egg, the breadcrumb mixture, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overmix as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Shape and Place: Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf. Press gently to eliminate air pockets but don’t pack it too tightly.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Initial Baking: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes without any topping.
Add Glaze and Cheese: Remove from oven and brush the top with half of the glaze. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top, then return to the oven for another 15 minutes.
Final Touch: In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush with the remaining glaze and add the reserved chopped bacon on top.
Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing much easier.
Tips for the Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
Don’t Overmix the Meat: The key to a tender meatloaf is gentle handling. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined. Overmixing will result in a dense, tough texture that’s nothing like the juicy burger experience you’re aiming for.
Use the Right Fat Content: An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal for this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe. The fat content keeps the meatloaf moist while the bacon adds additional richness. Leaner ground beef will result in a drier final product.
Let It Rest: Always allow your meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This resting period is crucial for the proteins to relax and the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, ensuring each slice holds together perfectly.
Internal Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures food safety while preventing overcooking.
Make-Ahead Magic: This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Turkey Version: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option, but add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to prevent dryness. The bacon will still provide plenty of flavor and fat to keep it moist.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use rolled oats ground in a food processor for a wholesome alternative.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, try pepper jack for heat, Swiss for a milder flavor, or a Mexican cheese blend for a southwestern twist. You can also stuff the center with cream cheese for an extra indulgent surprise.
Vegetable Additions: Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños can be added to the mix for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe pairs beautifully with classic comfort food sides that complement its rich, savory flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural choice, as they provide a smooth contrast to the textured meatloaf. For a lighter option, try roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans.
A crisp coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that mimics the lettuce and tomato you’d find on a burger. You can also serve it with pickle spears and sliced tomatoes to really drive home the cheeseburger theme.
For a complete burger experience, consider serving slices on toasted brioche buns with your favorite burger toppings. This makes for a fun, interactive dinner that both kids and adults will love.
Don’t forget about the classic comfort food sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, or sweet potato fries. These hearty accompaniments turn your meatloaf dinner into a true feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe?
Absolutely! This meatloaf freezes beautifully either before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, wrap the shaped raw meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Cooked meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
How do I prevent my meatloaf from falling apart when slicing?
The key is letting it rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows the proteins to firm up and the juices to redistribute. Also, make sure you’re using a sharp knife and cutting with a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down hard. Having the right ratio of binding ingredients (egg and breadcrumbs) also helps hold everything together.
Can I make this recipe in a different pan?
Yes! While a traditional loaf pan works best, you can shape this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe into a free-form loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This method actually allows for better browning all around. You can also make individual mini meatloaves in a muffin tin – just reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover meatloaf will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For reheating, slice the meatloaf and place it in a baking dish with a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out. Cover with foil and heat at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Individual slices can also be reheated in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, though the oven method will give you better texture. Cold meatloaf also makes an excellent sandwich filling for lunch the next day.
Conclusion and Call-to-Action
This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe truly is the best of both worlds – all the comfort and satisfaction of a classic meatloaf with the irresistible flavors of everyone’s favorite burger. It’s the kind of recipe that brings families together around the dinner table and creates those warm, cozy memories we all treasure.
The combination of smoky bacon, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned ground beef creates a meal that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, with its make-ahead potential and freezer-friendly nature, it’s practical for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts alike.
I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Did you try any of the variations? What sides did you serve with it? Leave a comment below and let me know how your bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe turned out. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love comfort food as much as you do – they’ll thank you for introducing them to their new favorite dinner!
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