Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a hearty and comforting dish that blends juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and classic burger seasonings into a flavorful meatloaf. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this easy-to-make recipe delivers nostalgic cheeseburger flavors with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 75-85 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 large egg
Dairy
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Binders and Fillers
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/almond flour for gluten-free)
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Condiments and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for glaze, optional)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare the Ingredients: Crisp the bacon in a skillet until browned but not overly crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the cheddar cheese.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the chopped bacon and grated cheese, then gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Smooth the top for even cooking.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatloaf for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Optionally, brush additional ketchup or barbecue sauce on top halfway through baking for a tangy glaze.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep your meatloaf tender and not dense.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Adjust bacon doneness based on preference; undercooked bacon may release excess fat during baking.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep slices moist and juicy.
- Experiment with cheese placement by mixing it throughout or adding it in the center for a gooey surprise.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, meatloaf, bacon, cheeseburger recipe, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free meatloaf