Imagine combining the juicy, savory flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with the hearty comfort of a classic meatloaf. That’s exactly what this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf delivers—a dish packed with bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon that will satisfy everyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Blend of Flavors: Combines the smoky taste of bacon, cheesy richness, and the comforting texture of meatloaf.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish a breeze to create.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed favorite for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
For the Meatloaf
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450g) |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Ketchup | 1/4 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Dill pickles, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
For the Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bacon slices | 4 |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup |
For the Glaze
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, pickles, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until well combined.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan. Ensure the loaf is compact for even cooking.
4. Wrap with Bacon
- Lay the slices of bacon over the top of the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath to secure them.
5. Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bacon for a melty, cheesy topping.
6. Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
- Spread the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Bake the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meatloaf to the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Ensure the bacon becomes crispy and the cheese melts beautifully.
8. Rest and Serve
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Choose Lean Ground Beef: This prevents the meatloaf from becoming overly greasy.
- Chop the Vegetables Finely: Small pieces of onion and pickles blend seamlessly into the meatloaf for even flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense; mix just until combined.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures the meatloaf is cooked to perfection without drying out.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320–350 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Classic and creamy, perfect for soaking up extra glaze.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add color and balance to the plate.
- Crispy French Fries: For a true burger-inspired meal.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw complements the rich flavors of the meatloaf.
FAQs About Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative, though it may result in a slightly different texture.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
3. Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Absolutely! Wrap the uncooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
4. What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
5. Can I add other ingredients to the meatloaf?
Of course! Try adding shredded zucchini, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
6. What can I use instead of bacon?
If you prefer to skip bacon, top the meatloaf with extra cheese or a breadcrumb crust for a different texture.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best parts of a classic cheeseburger with the warmth and heartiness of meatloaf. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat your loved ones to a meal they won’t forget. Don’t forget to share your experience or experiment with your own variations. Happy cooking!
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy the best of two comfort food classics with this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf! Juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a tangy glaze come together in a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 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
For the Topping:
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, pickles, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf:
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan.
- Ensure the loaf is compact to promote even cooking.
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Lay bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bacon.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
- Spread the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake the Meatloaf:
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Ensure the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Prevents the meatloaf from becoming too greasy.
- Chop Ingredients Finely: Ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a dense texture.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Baking Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
