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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cooking and cleanup.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes to create a moisture-rich foundation that ensures a tender, succulent meatloaf.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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