Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the comfort of homemade meatloaf. Wrapped in crispy bacon and filled with melted cheddar cheese, this savory dish is simple to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for a hearty dinner that everyone will love.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6–8 bacon strips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to blend the flavors without overworking the meat.
- Add Cheese Layer: Form half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a rimmed baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the center, then cover it with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the cheese inside completely.
- Wrap with Bacon: Arrange the bacon strips over the top of the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath to secure. The bacon will crisp up and add smoky flavor as it cooks.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatloaf for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help retain its juices and ensure clean, cohesive slices.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without cutting into the meatloaf early.
- Weave bacon strips for even coverage and better structural support.
- Ensure the cheese is fully encased in meat to prevent leaking.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of meatloaf)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, family dinner meatloaf, comfort food, baked meatloaf