The Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Crave

Crafting a mouthwatering bbq bacon cheeseburger meatloaf promises to revolutionize your dinner routine with explosive flavors.

Meaty goodness combines classic burger elements into one spectacular dish.

Crispy bacon adds irresistible smoky undertones that dance across every slice.

Sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly throughout the hearty mixture, creating pockets of creamy delight.

Tangy barbecue sauce coats the exterior, delivering a caramelized glaze that seals in rich, savory notes.

Comfort food meets gourmet creativity in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to wow everyone at the table with this unexpected culinary masterpiece.

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Reasons to Make It

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic meatloaf into a mouthwatering BBQ bacon cheeseburger experience that brings excitement to dinner.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this recipe in under an hour with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combine beloved flavors of bacon, cheese, and BBQ sauce that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy as a hearty main dish with sides, slice for sandwiches, or use leftovers for next-day lunch, providing multiple delicious meal possibilities.

Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs Ingredient List

• Ground Beef, Bacon: Rich protein foundation with smoky bacon adding deep flavor complexity.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy melting element that enhances overall taste.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs: Help hold meatloaf together and create dense, moist texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Add aromatic depth and savory undertones to the meat mixture.

• BBQ Sauce: Delivers sweet and tangy flavor profile with classic barbecue character.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting the meat's natural flavors.

Cheeseburger Bombs With Garlic Bacon Prep

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F and grab a standard loaf pan.

Lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s perfectly crunchy.

Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Mix the Meat Base

• Ground beef
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy spoon until well incorporated.

Step 4: Enhance the Mixture

Gently fold in the crispy bacon crumbles and shredded cheese.

Mix carefully to distribute ingredients evenly without overworking the meat.

Step 5: Shape and Prepare

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan.

Smooth the top to create an even surface.

Step 6: Glaze with Flavor

Generously brush the top of the meatloaf with tangy BBQ sauce, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and delicious meal.

Slice and serve hot.

Cheeseburger Bombs – Garlic Parmesan Tips For Gooey Centers

• Adjust bacon crispiness to personal preference – less crispy for softer texture or extra crispy for more crunch.
• Add extra breadcrumbs if mixture seems too wet or a splash of milk if too dry to maintain ideal meatloaf consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and develop deeper taste.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for dietary needs.

Save Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs For Later Bites

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and safe to enjoy later.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to preserve for 2-3 months.
• Warm slices at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain juicy texture.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to keep the meatloaf moist and delicious.

What Goes Well With Cheeseburger Bombs

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that matches the burger's rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the bacon's saltiness.
• Create Tangy Slaw Side: Whip up a crisp coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a hint of honey to balance the meatloaf's smoky BBQ profile and provide refreshing contrast.
• Select Complementary Craft Beer: Grab an amber ale or hoppy IPA that highlights the BBQ sauce's sweetness while standing up to the hearty meat and cheese combination.
• Serve with Roasted Potato Wedges: Prepare crispy herb-seasoned potato wedges that capture the burger-like essence and provide a satisfying starchy accompaniment to the meatloaf.

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with Sweet Heat Layers

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers, ensuring the meatloaf remains moist and flavorful for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, savory profile of the original recipe.
• Turkey Transformation: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option, keeping the bacon and cheese for added flavor and richness.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Use plant-based ground meat alternative, vegetarian bacon bits, and dairy-free cheese to create a meatless version that captures the essence of the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

• Is it possible to make this meatloaf gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe gluten-free.

• How can I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in additional moisture-rich ingredients like grated onion, a splash of milk, or an extra egg to help keep the meatloaf juicy and tender during baking.

• Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the meatloaf a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatloaf brings classic American comfort to dinner tables with bold, smoky flavors. Packed with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce, you’ll savor each satisfying slice of this crowd-pleasing main course.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 8 ounces (1/2 pound) bacon

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs

Seasonings and Binders:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to the specified temperature and coat a loaf pan with non-stick spray or light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Sizzle bacon strips in a skillet until they become deeply crisp and golden, then carefully crumble into small, textured pieces.
3. Combine ground beef with whisked eggs, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, minced garlic, and a balanced blend of salt and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Gently incorporate the crispy bacon fragments and shredded cheese into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout.
5. Carefully shape the seasoned meat into a compact, uniform loaf that fills the prepared pan without overflowing.
6. Generously brush the surface of the formed loaf with tangy BBQ sauce, creating a glossy and flavorful exterior.
7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches a safe level and the top develops a rich, caramelized golden-brown crust.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for several minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.
9. Slice into thick, hearty portions and serve warm, garnishing with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

• Ensure bacon is thoroughly crisp and finely crumbled to distribute evenly throughout the meatloaf for maximum flavor impact.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to create a keto-friendly version without compromising structural integrity.
• Cover meatloaf with foil during partial baking to prevent drying out, ensuring a juicy and tender final result.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties like smoky chipotle or sweet honey-based sauces to customize taste profile and add depth to the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg