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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to the specified temperature and coat a loaf pan with non-stick spray or light grease to prevent sticking.
- Sizzle bacon strips in a skillet until they become deeply crisp and golden, then carefully crumble into small, textured pieces.
- 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.
- Gently incorporate the crispy bacon fragments and shredded cheese into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Carefully shape the seasoned meat into a compact, uniform loaf that fills the prepared pan without overflowing.
- Generously brush the surface of the formed loaf with tangy BBQ sauce, creating a glossy and flavorful exterior.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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