Juicy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Mouthwatering BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic comfort food with irresistible flavor profiles that make dinner feel like a celebration.

Juicy ground beef gets a delicious twist with crispy bacon and melted cheese.

Smoky barbecue sauce adds a tangy kick that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish packed with robust flavors you’ll absolutely love.

Weeknight cooking becomes exciting when you can bring restaurant-style taste right to your kitchen.

Impressive yet simple, this recipe promises to become a new family favorite that sparks conversation around the table.

Dive in and get ready to savor every single bite of this incredible meatloaf masterpiece.

What Makes BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf So Good

• Burst with Flavor: Packed with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy BBQ sauce, this meatloaf delivers an explosion of delicious burger-inspired tastes in every bite.
• Perfect Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this protein-packed dish that transforms classic burger ingredients into a comforting, hearty meal everyone can enjoy together.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl, shape into a loaf, and bake – no complicated techniques required, making this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Option: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this meatloaf can be served with simple sides like mashed potatoes or green salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients For BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that forms the base of the meatloaf and provides rich, meaty flavor.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture and enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings creamy, sharp flavor and helps bind the meatloaf together.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs: Help hold the meatloaf together and create a consistent, moist texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base to the meatloaf.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard, Salt, Pepper: Contribute complex, tangy seasoning that balances the meat's richness.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet and smoky flavor, creating a classic barbecue profile for the meatloaf.

How To Cook BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Add Signature Bbq Sauce

Pour BBQ sauce into the meat mixture. Gently mix until ingredients are just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.

Step 4: Shape and Top the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan.

Carefully shape into a compact loaf. Spread an additional layer of BBQ sauce on top for extra flavor and shine.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), ensuring it’s fully cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute.

Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley and crispy bacon bits before slicing and serving.

Tips For Juicy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Prevent dry meatloaf by avoiding overmixing ingredients, which can make the meat tough and compact.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Add extra moisture by mixing in grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to keep the meatloaf tender.
• Choose high-quality ground beef with some fat content to ensure a juicy and flavorful result.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature and avoid overcooking the meatloaf.

Fun Twists On BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Keto-Friendly Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour, use sugar-free BBQ sauce, and add extra cheese for a low-carb version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Turkey Transformation: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein alternative with similar flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-based protein crumbles, maintaining the BBQ and cheese elements.

What To Serve With BBQ Bacon Meatloaf

• Comfort Food Feast: Transform this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf into a delightful meal experience.
• Burger Plate Perfection: Slice meatloaf and serve between toasted brioche buns with crispy lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and extra BBQ sauce for a classic burger-style presentation.
• Loaded Meatloaf Platter: Create a hearty plate with mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, and drizzle remaining BBQ sauce over the meatloaf slices for a complete dinner.
• Picnic Style Sliders: Cut meatloaf into smaller portions, place on mini slider buns, top with pickles and extra cheese for a fun party-friendly approach that's easy to share and enjoy.

Best Way To Store BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Store leftover BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze portions for up to 2-3 months, ensuring they're completely sealed to preserve flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Ensure the turkey is lean to prevent a dry meatloaf.

• How do I know if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160F (71C) to ensure safe consumption and proper doneness.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Best BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic burger flavors in a hearty comfort dish. Savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef (80/20)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Binders and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatics and Additional Flavors:

• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon parsley (optional for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F and prepare a loaf pan with cooking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Crumble bacon and mix thoroughly with ground beef in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of meat and bacon pieces.
3. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, minced onion, and crushed garlic into the meat mixture, blending gently to maintain a loose texture.
4. Whisk eggs with Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then fold into the meat mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Pour a portion of BBQ sauce into the meat mixture, stirring carefully to combine without compressing the meat too densely.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, sculpting it into a uniform loaf shape with slightly rounded edges.
7. Generously brush the top of the meatloaf with additional BBQ sauce, creating a glossy and flavorful coating.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 160F for food safety.
9. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes, which helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and crispy bacon bits before serving for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize the meatloaf’s texture by adjusting breadcrumb quantity, ensuring a moist yet firm consistency without becoming dense or crumbly.
• Choose high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content (80/20 ratio) for maximum flavor and juiciness during baking.
• Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version, maintaining similar smoky flavor profile while reducing overall fat content.
• Enhance gluten-free requirements by replacing traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for similar binding properties.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 416 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 622 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 104 mg