Zesty Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger meatloaf that combines classic burger flavors in a hearty home-style dish.

Juicy ground beef mingles with crispy bacon and melted cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of savory ingredients that elevate traditional meatloaf.

The recipe delivers a perfect balance of rich, smoky, and cheesy notes that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this no-fuss, flavor-packed recipe.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to dig into this irresistible twist on a classic comfort food.

Why Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Is a Crowd-Pleaser

• Savor Hearty Flavors: Packed with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a tangy glaze, this meatloaf delivers a burst of classic cheeseburger taste in every bite.
• Whip Up Easily: Requires simple mixing and basic ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms the traditional meatloaf into a fun, family-friendly dinner that combines everyone's favorite burger elements into one satisfying dish.
• Versatile Meal Option: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a nostalgic twist on a classic comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this comforting meatloaf.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky meat that adds rich flavor and texture to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a creamy, tangy element.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatloaf together and adds a light texture.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to keep the meatloaf compact and moist.

• Ketchup, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a complex, tangy, and savory flavor profile.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and traditional meatloaf flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Ketchup, Mustard, Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes during baking.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Pan

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a loaf pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Eggs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and look evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape The Meatloaf

Transfer the meaty mixture into the prepared loaf pan.

Use your hands to shape and press it evenly, creating a perfect loaf-like form.

Step 4: Create A Tangy Topping

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Brown sugar

Spread this sweet and zesty mixture generously across the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is completely cooked through and the topping becomes beautifully caramelized.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist.

Slice and serve while warm, enjoying the incredible blend of bacon, cheese, and classic burger flavors.

Pro Tips for Meatloaf Perfection

• Crisp the bacon beforehand for maximum flavor and crunchier texture in your meatloaf.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense, tangy flavor profile that complements the meat.
• Gently mix ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatloaf; handle the mixture with a light touch.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to help retain juices and prevent crumbling.

Flavor Variations for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Vegetarian Burger Loaf: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils, swap bacon for tempeh bacon, use dairy-free cheese, and follow original recipe steps.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour, use sugar-free ketchup, keep high-fat ground beef, and top with extra crispy bacon bits.
• Mediterranean Inspired Meatloaf: Incorporate ground lamb, add feta cheese, mix in oregano and sun-dried tomatoes, replace ketchup with tomato paste, and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds, ensure all condiments are gluten-free, and maintain original flavor profile with same meat and cheese ratios.

Serving Suggestions for Meatloaf

• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious meatloaf juices and complement its rich flavors.
• Veggie Fresh Companion: Add roasted green beans or a crisp garden salad to balance the hearty meat dish and provide a light, nutritious side.
• Crowd-Pleasing Extras: Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits, chopped fresh parsley, or a dollop of tangy sour cream to elevate the presentation and add exciting texture.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining slices into a killer sandwich by placing between toasted bread with additional cheese and a smear of mustard for a next-day lunch treat.

How to Store Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's tightly sealed to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen meatloaf stays good for up to 3 months.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to avoid drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and doesn’t dry out during cooking.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which indicates it’s safe to eat.

• Is it okay to make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. This helps develop deeper flavors.

• Can I freeze the leftover meatloaf?

Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf brings classic American comfort to dinner tables with irresistible flavor combinations. Ground beef mingles with crispy bacon and melted cheese, promising a satisfying meal that delivers bold, nostalgic tastes you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a loaf pan with light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine ground beef with crispy crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and aromatic seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and beaten eggs into the meat mixture, ensuring thorough blending.
4. Gently pack the seasoned meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, creating an even surface for consistent cooking.
5. Whisk together additional ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar to create a tangy, sweet glaze for the meatloaf’s exterior.
6. Spread the glossy topping evenly across the meat’s surface, allowing it to drip slightly down the sides.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, watching for a caramelized top and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
8. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
9. Slice into thick, hearty portions and serve while still warm, revealing the melted cheese and bacon-studded interior.

Notes

• Prep bacon beforehand by cooking until crispy, then crumble to ensure even distribution throughout the meatloaf.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a firmer texture for easier slicing.
• Adjust seasoning by adding extra Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami flavor or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• For gluten-free option, swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 412 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg