This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines the juicy, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting, hearty texture of meatloaf. It’s packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and burger-inspired seasonings, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
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- 1 ½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ½ lb (225g) bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 6-8 slices)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend)
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion (or grated for smoother texture)
- ¼ cup finely chopped dill pickles (optional, for that burger vibe)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
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- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 4-6 slices bacon, partially cooked (still pliable, for topping)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for final topping)
Directions:
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- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Cook the ½ lb bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- Reserve 4-6 additional bacon slices for topping (cook these partially, about 2-3 minutes, so they’re still flexible).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, 1 cup shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, pickles (if using), eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined — don’t overmix to avoid a dense texture.
- If using a loaf pan, press the mixture evenly into a 9×5-inch pan.
- For a free-form loaf, shape the mixture into a loaf shape (about 8×4 inches) on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze.
- Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Lay the partially cooked bacon slices over the top, tucking ends under if needed.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- About 10 minutes before it’s done, spread the remaining glaze over the bacon and sprinkle with the ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven to melt the cheese.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Serve with classic burger sides like mashed potatoes, fries, or a green salad.
- Optional: top with extra ketchup, mustard, or even burger toppings like lettuce and tomato slices.
Tips:
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- Make it Burger-Like: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions inside the meatloaf for extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for American, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Burger Bun Hack: Serve slices on toasted hamburger buns with mayo, lettuce, and tomato for a fun cheeseburger-inspired sandwich.
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe is inspired by various sources combining cheeseburger and meatloaf elements, tailored for maximum flavor and ease.
