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