The Best Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger meatloaf can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a celebration of comfort food.

Juicy ground beef mingles with crispy bacon and melted cheese, creating a hearty dish that speaks directly to your inner carnivore.

Rich flavors burst through each carefully seasoned slice, promising a meal that goes beyond traditional meatloaf expectations.

Unexpected ingredients like sharp cheddar and smoky bacon elevate this classic recipe from simple to spectacular.

Hints of garlic and a touch of Worcestershire sauce add depth and complexity to every bite.

Home cooks will find this recipe surprisingly easy to master, with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.

We bet you can’t wait to slice into this irresistible creation that combines all the best elements of a classic cheeseburger.

Storing Cheeseburger Meatloaf For Future Meals

• Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Place meatloaf slices in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Slice meatloaf and place on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?

Use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for the juiciest and most flavorful meatloaf. The higher fat content keeps the meat moist and adds rich taste.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar works great, but you can also try monterey jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor profile.

• Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the entire recipe gluten-free.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf – Delicious Standouts

• Boost Family Dinner Fun: Transform classic meatloaf into a crowd-pleasing bacon cheeseburger version that kids and adults will devour with excitement.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Requires minimal prep work and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Pack Flavor Explosion: Combines beloved bacon cheeseburger elements into a hearty meatloaf, delivering rich, savory tastes that satisfy comfort food cravings with every single bite.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Delivers a complete meal in under an hour, ideal for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner that doesn't demand hours of kitchen time.

Building Your Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Base

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that provides the main structure and flavor of the meatloaf.
• Bacon: Crispy and savory meat that adds rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty cheese that enhances the overall taste and creates a creamy texture.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and keeps the meatloaf moist.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps absorb moisture to prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry.

• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor and classic burger-style seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.

Steps To Create Juicy Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Bomb

• Ground beef
• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Melty shredded cheese
• Crunchy breadcrumbs
• Beaten egg
• Tangy ketchup
• Zesty Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Gentle Mixing Magic

Blend all ingredients with a light touch, just until everything hugs together.

Avoid muscling the mixture – gentle mixing keeps the meatloaf tender.

Step 4: Shape Your Masterpiece

Mold the mixture into a gorgeous loaf.

Slide it into a greased loaf pan or onto a lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Ketchup Crown

Spread a whisper-thin layer of ketchup across the top for a glossy, tangy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

Listen for the sizzle and wait until the internal temperature hits a safe 160F (71C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf chill for 5 minutes after baking.

This helps the juices settle, ensuring each slice is mouthwateringly delicious.

Slice and devour!

Tips For Flavor-Packed Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Cook bacon until crispy before crumbling to enhance its smoky taste and texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160F for safe consumption.
• Place the meatloaf on a wire rack over a baking sheet to let fat drip away and maintain a crispy exterior.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.

Cheeseburger Meatloaf – Creative Mix-In Ideas

• Vegetarian Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Swap bacon for smoky tempeh strips and use vegan cheese for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Use sugar-free ketchup and add extra cheese for richness.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and oregano. Replace ketchup with tomato paste and add chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-style flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free for safe consumption.

Bacon Meatloaf Presented For The Table

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice meatloaf into bite-sized pieces and serve on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy appetizer-style munching during game nights or casual gatherings.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a crisp garden salad to create a hearty and satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Transform cold slices into delicious sandwiches by adding fresh lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of mayo between soft bread for a next-day meal that beats boring lunch options.
• Picnic and Potluck Star: Pack sliced meatloaf in a portable container with some crusty bread and pickles for an impressive contribution to outdoor gatherings that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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

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Description

Succulent bacon cheeseburger meatloaf brings classic diner flavors directly to home kitchens with minimal effort. Rich ground beef layered with crispy bacon and melted cheese creates a comfort meal that delivers hearty satisfaction for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb / 454 grams) ground beef
• 0.5 pound (1/2 lb / 227 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 whole egg

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F, preparing a loaf pan or baking sheet with a light coating of oil or parchment paper.
2. Crumble crispy bacon and shred cheese, ensuring pieces are small and evenly distributed.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold ground beef with bacon, cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg until ingredients are just incorporated.
4. Season the meat mixture with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing carefully to maintain meat’s tenderness.
5. Form the blend into a cohesive loaf shape, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
6. Delicately spread a thin, even layer of ketchup across the meatloaf’s surface for added moisture and tangy flavor.
7. Transfer the prepared loaf to the preheated oven and roast for 55-60 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 160F.
8. Remove from oven and allow meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, flavorful result.
9. Slice into hearty portions and serve immediately while warm and succulent.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a tough, dense texture that can make the meatloaf less tender and juicy.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the classic comfort food experience.
• Drain excess bacon grease before adding to the meat mixture to control fat content and prevent the meatloaf from becoming too greasy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 496 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg