Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Irresistibly Juicy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Crafting a hearty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Meat lovers rejoice with this classic dish that combines two favorite meals into one incredible experience.

Juicy ground beef gets an upgrade with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese throughout.

Every slice promises a flavor explosion that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Rich and indulgent, this recipe turns a traditional meatloaf into something extraordinary.

Packed with familiar burger ingredients, it delivers a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

You’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing dish again and again for maximum culinary enjoyment.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Overview

  • Satisfy Hearty Appetites: A comforting one-dish meal packed with protein and classic flavors that fills hungry bellies quickly and deliciously.
  • Create Minimal Mess: With just one baking dish and simple layering technique, this recipe ensures quick cleanup and minimal kitchen chaos.
  • Budget-Friendly Cooking: Ground beef and basic pantry ingredients make this casserole an affordable option for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap potato types, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese blends to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

For the Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: The main protein that gives the meatloaf its hearty and rich base.
  • Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a moist texture.
For the Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and creamy element that melts into the meatloaf.
For the Fillers and Binders:
  • Breadcrumbs: Help absorb moisture and create a tender meatloaf texture.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add depth of flavor and aromatic notes to the meatloaf.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
For the Sauces and Condiments:
  • Ketchup, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: Contribute tangy and savory flavors that make the meatloaf taste like a classic cheeseburger.

Directions For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and grab a loaf pan. Give it a quick spray or rub with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

Gather your ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl:
  • Ground beef
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Crispy bacon pieces
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Fresh eggs
  • Diced onion
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until just combined. Don’t overwork the mixture or your meatloaf will turn tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meaty Masterpiece

Mold the mixture into a gorgeous loaf shape and nestle it into your prepared pan. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add the Tangy Topping

Spread a delicate layer of ketchup across the top of your meatloaf. This will create a mouthwatering glaze that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let it bake for 50-60 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160F (70C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice incredibly succulent.

Slice and serve to hungry guests!

Pro Advice For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Crumble bacon finely to ensure even distribution throughout the meatloaf, preventing large chunks from overwhelming each bite.
  • Use lean ground beef to control the fat content and prevent the meatloaf from becoming too greasy during baking.
  • Let the meatloaf rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful dish.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumb alternatives.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy, golden crust.

Flavor Twists For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace mustard with chipotle peppers, add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and top with salsa before baking.
  • Mediterranean-Style Meatloaf: Swap ground beef with ground lamb, mix in feta cheese, chopped olives, and dried oregano, then garnish with tzatziki sauce.
  • Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Add ranch seasoning mix to the meat mixture, sprinkle extra bacon bits on top, and drizzle ranch dressing after baking.
  • Smoky BBQ Meatloaf: Replace ketchup with smoky BBQ sauce, mix in smoked paprika, use smoked gouda cheese, and brush additional BBQ sauce during baking.

Serving Ideas For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Flavor-Packed Burger Sandwich: Layer thick slices between toasted brioche buns with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and extra crispy bacon strips. Drizzle tangy mustard sauce for an epic handheld meal.
  • Comfort Plate Classic: Serve warm meatloaf slices alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for melty goodness that makes dinner feel indulgent.
  • Leftover Breakfast Delight: Dice cold meatloaf and pan-fry until crispy edges form. Top with a sunny-side-up egg and serve with hash browns for a hearty morning breakfast that transforms yesterday's dinner into today's exciting meal.
  • Quick Meal Prep Option: Cut meatloaf into individual portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for future quick lunches.

Storage Instructions For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cooled meatloaf completely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire loaf in a 350F (175C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or extra ketchup to maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Make sure to use ground turkey with some fat content to keep the meatloaf moist.

  • How do I know if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C). This ensures the meat is safely cooked through and prevents any foodborne illness.

  • Is it okay to add extra cheese to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of cheddar cheese or even mix in different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for more flavor complexity.

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Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf delivers classic comfort with American diner-style flavors. Savory meat mixture combines ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and coat a loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold together ground beef, shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, breadcrumbs, whisked eggs, diced onions, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Carefully mold the meat mixture into a compact loaf shape, ensuring uniform thickness and pressing out any air pockets.
  4. Transfer the formed loaf into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface for even cooking.
  5. Drizzle and spread a thin, even layer of ketchup across the top of the meatloaf, creating a glossy, tangy glaze.
  6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C) for safe consumption.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, which helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
  8. Slice into hearty portions and serve warm, garnishing with additional chopped herbs or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough meatloaf texture, keeping mixture light and tender.
  • Use sharp cheddar for intense flavor or experiment with smoked gouda for extra depth.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • For healthier version, use turkey bacon or reduce bacon quantity while maintaining smoky flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 416 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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