Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe: Family Dinner Hero

Crafting a mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger meatloaf promises pure comfort on a plate.

Juicy ground beef mingles with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese, creating a hearty meal.

Memories of backyard barbecues dance through each savory slice.

Ingredients blend seamlessly, turning a classic diner favorite into a home-cooked masterpiece.

Nostalgic flavors leap from traditional meatloaf into something extraordinary and irresistible.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of meaty richness and cheesy indulgence.

Cooking this recipe will make you the dinner hero everyone adores.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf That Feels Like a Treat

• Savor Comfort Classic: Transforms traditional meatloaf into a deliciously indulgent bacon cheeseburger-inspired meal that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal prep and simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines beloved bacon cheeseburger flavors into one hearty dish that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Works wonderfully as a weeknight dinner, weekend family gathering centerpiece, or potluck contribution that always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients Checklist for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty protein that forms the base of the meatloaf.
• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture to the meatloaf.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and creamy element to enhance the overall taste.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Help bind the meat mixture and keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the meaty taste.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf.
• Onion, Pickles, Garlic: Provide additional layers of savory and zesty flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste profile.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and get ready for some delicious cooking action.

Step 2: Create Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Ketchup
• Chopped onion
• Diced pickles
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until it’s perfectly blended.

Step 3: Shape Your Masterpiece

Mold the meat mixture into a gorgeous loaf shape, nestling it into a baking dish.

Step 4: Bacon Blanket

Drape bacon slices lovingly over the entire loaf, tucking the ends underneath for a crispy surprise.

Step 5: Cheese Crown

Shower the bacon-covered loaf with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Whip Up Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Spread this zesty glaze evenly across the top of the loaf.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.

You’re looking for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 160F (70C), with bacon turning delightfully crisp.

Step 8: Rest and Feast

Let your culinary creation rest for 10 minutes to lock in those juicy flavors.

Slice and serve alongside your favorite side dishes for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Meatloaf Tips for Rich, Cheesy, Juicy Slices

• Weave bacon slices tightly to ensure even crispiness and complete coverage across the meatloaf surface.
• Add milk and Worcestershire sauce to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent dryness during baking.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor that melts beautifully over the bacon layer.
• Brush glaze during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent burning while creating a delicious caramelized top.
• Replace regular salt with low-sodium alternatives and use reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce for a heart-healthier version.

Cheesy Bacon Meatloaf Variations to Satisfy Cravings

• Vegetarian Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives for a meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of milk and add extra seasonings for flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano. Replace bacon with prosciutto or omit for a lighter version. Use olive oil-based glaze with herbs.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. Replace ketchup with sugar-free tomato sauce and eliminate brown sugar in the glaze. Add extra herbs and spices for enhanced taste.

Plating Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf for Family Meals

• Burger-Style Side Kick: Pair the meatloaf with crispy french fries or potato wedges for a classic burger-inspired meal that brings comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table.
• Zesty Green Companions: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad with tangy vinaigrette or roasted green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the rich, meaty flavors.
• Creamy Comfort Extras: Add smooth mashed potatoes or creamy mac and cheese as a complementary side that soaks up the delicious glaze and provides a luxurious texture contrast.
• Picnic-Perfect Plating: Slice the meatloaf cold and create sandwiches for a delightful next-day lunch, packed with all the bacon cheeseburger goodness in a portable format.

Storing Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf for Later Slices

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• 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 midway to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Why use milk in the meatloaf mixture?

Milk helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender by adding moisture and breaking down the meat’s proteins, preventing it from becoming dense or dry.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground pork as alternatives. Each meat will slightly change the flavor and texture of the meatloaf.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C). This ensures the meat is safe to eat and properly cooked through.

• What's the purpose of adding Worcestershire sauce?

Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor, providing a tangy and slightly umami taste that enhances the overall richness of the meatloaf.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic comfort with irresistible burger flavors in one satisfying dish. Juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 4 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup (for meatloaf)
• 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for a perfectly cooked meatloaf.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, diced onion, chopped pickles, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Carefully shape the meat mixture into a compact, symmetrical loaf, positioning it centrally in a suitable baking dish.
4. Artfully drape bacon strips across the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring the ends are neatly tucked underneath for an even coverage.
5. Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon layer, creating a melty, flavorful topping.
6. Craft a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth, then meticulously spread it across the meatloaf’s surface.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the bacon achieves a crisp, golden-brown texture.
8. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, cohesive slice when served alongside preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
• Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to make the recipe lighter and more diet-friendly for those watching calories.
• Try different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Ensure even cooking by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, preventing dryness and guaranteeing food safety.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg