Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

The Juiciest Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Ever Created

Crafting a delectable bacon cheeseburger meatloaf promises a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food.

Juicy ground beef mingles with crispy bacon bits for an irresistible blend of flavors.

Melted cheese creates pockets of gooey goodness throughout each slice.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish that combines burger magic into a hearty loaf.

Sharp cheddar and smoky bacon elevate simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Convenient preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal without extensive cooking skills.

Each bite delivers a nostalgic taste that’ll make everyone at the table cheer for seconds.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Ingredient Profile

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Rich, flavorful base for the meatloaf, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
  • Bacon, Crumbled: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture, opt for thick-cut bacon for best results.
Cheese and Binders:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Provides melty, sharp cheese flavor, sharp varieties work best.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and add structure to the meatloaf.
  • Eggs: Acts as a key binding agent to hold the meatloaf together.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and subtle sweetness, finely chop for even distribution.
  • Ketchup: Brings tangy sweetness and moisture to the meatloaf.
  • Mustard: Provides a slight tang and complexity to the overall flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances umami and adds rich, savory notes.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish.
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out other flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and completes the seasoning profile.

Steps for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 375°F.

This will ensure your meatloaf gets perfectly cooked and deliciously crispy.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in these tasty ingredients:
  • Ground beef
  • Crispy crumbled bacon
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Eggs
  • Diced onion
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Mix with Love

Gently blend all ingredients until they’re just combined.

Don’t overwork the mixture, or your meatloaf might turn tough.

Step 4: Shape Your Masterpiece

Mold the meaty mixture into a beautiful loaf shape.

Transfer it to a greased loaf pan or place on a lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes.

This helps the juices settle.

Slice and serve while it’s warm for maximum deliciousness.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf With Juicy Bake Tips

  • Chop bacon finely and mix thoroughly with ground beef to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the meatloaf.
  • Shred cheese into small pieces and fold gently to prevent clumping, creating pockets of melted goodness in every slice.
  • Add a splash of extra Worcestershire sauce or ketchup to keep the meatloaf juicy and prevent dryness during baking.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that maintains the original texture and taste.
  • Prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before baking.

Reheat Cheeseburger Meatloaf With Juicy Texture

  • Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen meatloaf maintains quality for up to 3 months.
  • Warm slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and retain moisture.
  • For quick reheating, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Plating Suggestions for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Savor Complementary Flavor Companions for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf:
  • Pair with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Light, hoppy beer cuts through the rich meat's heaviness and cleanses the palate with its refreshing carbonation.
  • Serve Alongside Tangy Coleslaw: Crunchy, acidic cabbage salad provides a cool contrast to the warm, meaty meatloaf and balances its intense flavors.
  • Match with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, smooth potatoes create a perfect neutral base that absorbs the meatloaf's savory juices and adds comforting texture.
  • Select Bold Red Zinfandel Wine: Robust, fruity wine with spicy undertones complements the bacon's smokiness and the beef's deep, hearty taste.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with Savory Additions

  • Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or almond flour. Use gluten-free ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Add extra mushrooms for meaty texture and replace bacon with smoky tempeh strips.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground flaxseed. Use full-fat cheese and add extra bacon for higher fat content. Reduce ketchup or use sugar-free alternative.
  • Turkey Health Boost: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey. Add grated zucchini for moisture and extra nutrients. Use turkey bacon for lighter protein option.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and monitor cooking time as turkey can dry out faster.

  • How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix ingredients gently, don’t overmix, and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The added cheese and bacon will also help keep the meatloaf moist.

  • Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the raw meatloaf mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute. Check that all other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: The Ultimate Beefy Combo You’ll Love

  • Quick Comfort Meal: Transforms classic meatloaf into a crowd-pleasing bacon cheeseburger version that satisfies major burger cravings without grilling.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors like cheese and bacon, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy family members during dinnertime.
  • Hassle-Free Preparation: Requires minimal kitchen skills, simple mixing technique, and straightforward baking process that even beginner cooks can master with confidence.
  • Time-Saving Dinner Solution: One-pan recipe delivers hearty meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when complex cooking feels overwhelming.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic comfort with bold burger flavors, creating a mouthwatering main dish. Juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese merge in this crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
  • 0.5 pounds (227 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 large eggs

Binders and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly mix ground beef with crumbled crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, whisked eggs, finely diced onion, tangy ketchup, zesty mustard, rich Worcestershire sauce, aromatic garlic powder, and seasoning until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. Gently form the meat mixture into a compact, rustic loaf shape, ensuring even thickness to promote consistent cooking.
  3. Position the meatloaf in a lightly greased baking vessel, selecting either a traditional loaf pan or a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Transfer the prepared meatloaf to a preheated oven set at 375°F, allowing it to roast and develop a robust, caramelized exterior.
  5. Monitor the cooking process, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F, which typically requires 45-50 minutes of baking time.
  6. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and permit it to rest for several minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and enhancing overall moisture and flavor.
  7. Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions, serving immediately while warm to maximize taste and textural enjoyment.

Notes

  • Customize the meat mixture by using lean ground beef or a blend of ground meats like turkey and beef for a healthier twist.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties such as pepper jack or smoked gouda to add unique flavor profiles to the meatloaf.
  • Prevent dryness by avoiding overmixing the ingredients, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
  • Enhance moisture and texture by adding a layer of bacon on top of the meatloaf before baking for extra crispiness and flavor infusion.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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