Cozy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe: Dinner Joy Awaits!

Comfort food reaches new heights with this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf that combines classic burger flavors in a satisfying baked dish.

Juicy ground beef mingles with crispy bacon and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering meal that screams home-cooked goodness.

The blend of savory ingredients transforms a traditional meatloaf into an irresistible dinner centerpiece.

Sharp cheddar and smoky bacon add layers of rich, bold flavor to every single bite.

Each slice promises a hearty, indulgent experience that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This recipe takes weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Prepare to be the dinner hero when you serve up this crowd-pleasing meatloaf that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 482 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Lean cuts provide rich, meaty flavor and essential protein for hearty texture.
• Ground Pork: Adds moisture and extra depth to the meat mixture with its slightly fatty profile.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates tender structure and helps bind the meatloaf while preventing it from becoming dense.
• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and ensures a juicy, tender meatloaf with perfect consistency.

• Onion: Brings sweet, aromatic undertones that complement the robust meat flavors.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, sharp taste that elevates the overall savory profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy, complex umami notes to deepen the meat's richness.
• Ketchup: Provides sweet-tangy base that adds moisture and classic burger-like taste.
• Mustard: Contributes sharp, zesty kick that balances the meat's richness.
• Salt: Enhances and highlights all other ingredients' natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and warming spice to the meat mixture.
• Paprika: Introduces mild smoky undertone with gentle reddish color.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts throughout, creating creamy pockets and extra richness.
• Bacon: Delivers crispy texture and intense smoky flavor to complement the meatloaf.

Tools for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Small bowl: Perfect for soaking breadcrumbs and mixing wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy meatloaf cooking and cleanup.
• Cheese grater: Needed for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients gently.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.

How to Bake a Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Prep the Pan

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set your oven to roast at 375F (190C) for a delicious, crispy-edged meatloaf.

• Create Moisture Magic

Soak breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes to ensure your meatloaf stays wonderfully juicy and tender.

• Mix Flavor Powerhouse

In a large mixing bowl, blend ground beef with aromatic onions, zesty garlic, tangy Worcestershire sauce, rich ketchup, sharp mustard, and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika.

• Bring It All Together

Gently fold the milk-soaked breadcrumbs into your meat mixture, then lovingly mix in shredded cheese for pockets of gooey deliciousness.

• Shape and Bake

Form the mixture into a rustic loaf on your prepared baking sheet, creating inviting peaks and valleys that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.

• Create Irresistible Topping

Spread a layer of ketchup or your favorite barbecue sauce across the top, which will caramelize and add a mouthwatering glaze.

• Roast to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through.

• Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking, allowing juices to redistribute, then slice and enjoy your flavor-packed meal.

Tips for Moist and Cheesy Meatloaf

• Perfect Meatloaf Mastery: Quick Tips & Tasty Twists
• Moisture Magic: Soak breadcrumbs in milk to guarantee a super tender, juicy meatloaf that won't dry out during baking.
• Cheese Lover's Swap: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the meatloaf's signature texture.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in finely diced bell peppers or grated zucchini for added nutrition and subtle moisture without compromising the classic bacon cheeseburger taste.

Serving Ideas for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Burger Night Twist: Transform this meatloaf into a fun family dinner that feels like a restaurant experience at home.
• Cheesy Comfort Plate: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted vegetables to complement the rich meat flavors.
• Sandwich Style Leftovers: Slice cold meatloaf the next day and create delicious sandwiches with extra cheese and lettuce on toasted bread.
• Picnic Perfect Slices: Cut into neat squares and pack for a hearty lunch option that travels well and tastes amazing at room temperature.

How to Store and Reheat Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, lasting up to 3 months in the freezer for easy future meals.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated slices in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes or in oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), maintaining juicy texture.
• Meal Prep Genius: Slice meatloaf into portions before storing, allowing quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.

Hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic comfort with bold burger flavors in one hearty dish. Savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• 0.5 lbs (227 g) ground pork (optional, adds tenderness)
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8–10 slices bacon
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 egg
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cooking and cleanup.
2. Breadcrumb Mixture: Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes to create a moisture-rich foundation that ensures a tender, succulent meatloaf.
3. Flavor Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika to build a robust and complex taste profile.
4. Meat Assembly: Gently fold the milk-soaked breadcrumbs and shredded cheese into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution and creating pockets of melted cheese throughout.
5. Loaf Forming and Topping: Shape the seasoned meat mixture into a uniform loaf on the prepared baking sheet, then carefully drape bacon strips across the surface to impart a smoky, crispy exterior during baking.
6. Baking Process: Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon turns golden and crisp.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer to a serving platter, slice into generous portions, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs for a final touch of freshness.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Texture: Mix ground beef and pork gently to prevent overworking, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense. Use a light touch when combining ingredients.
• Manage Moisture Balance: Allow breadcrumbs to soak in milk for exactly 5 minutes to create perfect moisture without making the mixture soggy. Too much liquid can result in a mushy texture.
• Control Bacon Cooking: Choose thin bacon strips to ensure they crisp evenly and render fat properly over the meatloaf. Thick-cut bacon might not cook completely during the baking time.
• Strategic Temperature Monitoring: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely at 160°F, preventing overcooking that could dry out the meatloaf while ensuring food safety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg