Quick & Juicy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Crafting a delectable BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatloaf sparks joy for weekend comfort food enthusiasts.

Meat lovers crave bold flavors that combine classic burger elements with hearty meatloaf tradition.

Smoky bacon adds irresistible crunch and depth to every single bite.

Melted cheese creates a gooey interior that makes this dish seriously addictive.

Sharp BBQ sauce brings tangy notes that complement rich ground beef perfectly.

Each slice promises a mouthwatering experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Trust me, you want to make this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary dinner into something spectacular.

Storage Advice for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place meatloaf slice in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding splash of BBQ sauce 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. Ensure the ground turkey reaches the same internal temperature of 160F for food safety.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains breadcrumbs which have gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute.

• How can I tell if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The meatloaf is done when it reaches 160F (71C) in the center. This ensures the meat is safe to eat and prevents dryness.

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Loaded With Flavor

• Indulge in Comfort: A hearty twist on classic meatloaf that combines the beloved flavors of BBQ bacon cheeseburger in one mouthwatering dish.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Requires minimal ingredients and basic mixing technique, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Packed with rich ingredients like bacon, cheese, and BBQ sauce that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring a satisfying family dinner.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a single loaf pan, reducing kitchen mess and making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: The hearty base that provides a rich, meaty foundation for the meatloaf.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy flavor and extra richness to the meatloaf.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, creamy element that melts throughout the meatloaf.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Creates a tender texture and helps keep the meatloaf moist and cohesive.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.

• Onion, Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and savory undertones to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup: Contribute tangy, sweet, and complex flavor profiles.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the meatloaf.

How to Prepare BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm the oven to 350F (175C).

Cover a loaf pan with parchment paper or apply a light grease coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Soften Breadcrumbs

Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a large mixing bowl.

Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes, letting the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid completely.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Ground beef
• Eggs
• Cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Ketchup
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared loaf pan.

Carefully shape the mixture into a smooth, compact loaf.

Step 5: Add Signature Glaze

Generously spread additional BBQ sauce across the top of the meatloaf, creating a delicious caramelized coating.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven.

Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), ensuring it’s fully cooked.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

Slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who want an extra flavor kick.

Tips to Perfect BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Soak breadcrumbs thoroughly to ensure even moisture and tender texture throughout the meatloaf.
• Crisp bacon before crumbling to add extra crunch and intensify smoky flavor in every bite.
• Layer BBQ sauce both inside and on top of meatloaf for maximum tangy, caramelized goodness.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness without overcooking the meatloaf.
• Allow meatloaf to rest 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.

Variation Ideas for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and increase cheese content.
• Turkey Lighter Option: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to boost flavor and moisture.
• Vegetarian Plant-Based Alternative

Serving Ideas for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair this savory meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food combination that soaks up the delicious BBQ sauce.
• Veggie Fresh Boost: Add a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty flavors of the meatloaf.
• Picnic Style Plating: Slice the meatloaf and serve on a rustic wooden board with pickles, extra BBQ sauce, and warm crusty bread for a casual, crowd-pleasing presentation.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Serve thin slices atop toasted brioche with a fried egg and extra crispy bacon for a decadent weekend breakfast or brunch option.

Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic comfort with bold flavors from American grilling traditions. Juicy ground beef mingles with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Hydrate breadcrumbs with milk, allowing them to absorb liquid for enhanced moisture and texture.
2. Combine ground beef with soaked breadcrumbs, integrating eggs, shredded cheddar, and crispy crumbled bacon for rich flavor complexity.
3. Incorporate aromatic elements like diced onion and minced garlic to elevate the meatloaf’s depth of taste.
4. Blend Worcestershire sauce, mustard, BBQ sauce, and ketchup to create a tangy, robust seasoning profile.
5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of spices throughout the meat.
6. Carefully mold the seasoned mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, maintaining compact density.
7. Transfer the formed loaf into a prepared baking vessel, lined or lightly greased for easy removal.
8. Generously glaze the top with additional BBQ sauce, creating a caramelized and glossy exterior.
9. Roast in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for approximately 1 hour, until internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).
10. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring optimal slice integrity.
11. Slice and serve, offering extra BBQ sauce on the side for those desiring additional flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey for varied flavor and texture profiles.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a dense, tough meatloaf; gently combine ingredients just until incorporated.
• Use thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and crispier texture when crumbled into the meatloaf.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg