Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe: Classic Comfort Reimagined

Crafting the ultimate bacon cheeseburger meatloaf brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Hearty meat blends with crispy bacon and gooey cheese in a delightful mashup of classic flavors.

We crave those irresistible burger elements tucked inside a classic meatloaf shape.

Every bite promises a juicy explosion of savory goodness that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Weeknight meals rarely get this exciting or satisfying.

The combination sounds indulgent yet surprisingly simple to prepare.

You’ll want to grab your apron and gather these ingredients right now.

Why Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Is A Comfort Food Classic

  • Create a Flavor Explosion: This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic burger tastes with a comforting meatloaf format, delivering an exciting twist on traditional dinner favorites that will make taste buds dance with joy.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation steps, this recipe transforms standard ground meats into a gourmet-style meal that requires minimal culinary expertise and produces maximum satisfaction.
  • Customize for Family Preferences: The flexible recipe allows home cooks to adjust ingredients, swap out toppings, or add personal touches, making it perfect for pleasing picky eaters and creating a meal everyone will enjoy.
  • Maximize Meal Versatility: Whether served as a hearty dinner with sides or sliced for sandwiches the next day, this meatloaf offers multiple serving options that stretch your cooking creativity and reduce potential food waste.

Ingredients List For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich protein foundation for a hearty and flavorful meatloaf, blending textures and tastes for a classic comfort dish.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Milk: Essential for keeping the meatloaf tender and preventing it from becoming dry and crumbly.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and traditional savory notes to the meatloaf.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a complex, umami-rich flavor that complements the meat.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Fundamental seasonings that boost the overall taste profile.
Cheese and Topping:
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy melted pockets of flavor throughout the meatloaf.
  • Bacon: Crispy exterior that provides smoky richness and a classic bacon cheeseburger feel.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Ketchup, Mustard: Tangy base for the glaze that echoes classic burger condiments.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a sweet caramelized note to balance the savory elements.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidic brightness to the glaze.

How To Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Easily

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Explosion

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Grab a small bowl and mix breadcrumbs with milk, letting them hang out for 5 minutes to create ultimate moisture magic. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ground beef
  • Ground pork
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Stir in the milk-soaked breadcrumbs, then gently fold in the shredded cheese like you’re tucking in a delicious blanket.

Step 2: Wrap It Up with Bacon Awesomeness

Sculpt the meat mixture into a gorgeous loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Now for the star of the show – drape bacon slices over the top, tucking the ends underneath like a cozy bacon blanket.

Step 3: Create the Tangy Glaze Masterpiece

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Brown sugar
  • Apple cider vinegar

Brush half of this flavor-packed glaze over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 4: Bake to Mouthwatering Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Pull it out and brush on the remaining glaze. Continue baking for 15-20 more minutes, or until the internal temperature hits the magic number of 160F (71C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes – patience is key!

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Slice up this beauty and serve with your favorite sides. Go classic with mashed potatoes, roast some veggies, or deck it out with all the burger fixings like pickles, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance!

Pro Tips For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Success

  • Moisture Magic: Soak breadcrumbs in milk to ensure your meatloaf stays incredibly juicy and tender, preventing any dry or tough texture.
  • Bacon Brilliance: Carefully layer bacon strips over the meatloaf, tucking ends underneath to create a crispy, flavorful exterior that locks in all the delicious meaty goodness.
  • Glaze Game Changer: Create a sweet and tangy glaze with ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar that caramelizes beautifully during baking, adding depth and richness to the dish.
  • Temperature Triumph: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches exactly 160F (71C), guaranteeing food safety while maintaining maximum flavor and juiciness.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that still delivers incredible taste and texture.

How To Store Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Safely

  • Seal the meatloaf in an airtight container to keep it fresh and tasty.
  • Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for optimal safety.
  • Store leftover slices in a sealed container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Freeze unused meatloaf for up to 3 months by placing slices in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
  • When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven at 350F (175C) until warmed through.
  • Avoid microwaving to prevent dry or tough meat texture.
  • Always check the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) when reheating to ensure food safety.
  • Discard any meatloaf left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Best Sides For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory bacon cheeseburger meatloaf with a robust cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel that matches its intense flavor profile and cuts through the meaty, cheesy goodness.
  • Enhance with Crisp Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that balances the meatloaf's fatty richness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the salty bacon and melted cheese.
  • Create Zesty Side Salad: Whip up a tangy coleslaw or mixed green salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness of the meatloaf and add a light, crunchy texture to the meal.
  • Serve with Creamy Potato Sides: Prepare garlic mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potato wedges that soak up the delicious glaze and complement the meatloaf's hearty character.

New Takes On Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace traditional seasonings with chili powder, cumin, and diced jalapeños. Swap bacon for pepper jack cheese slices and add corn kernels for extra texture and southwestern flair.
  • Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano into the meat mixture. Top with sun-dried tomato glaze instead of traditional ketchup mixture.
  • Ranch-Style Meatloaf: Mix in ranch seasoning packet and replace some breadcrumbs with crushed cheese crackers. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits throughout the meat mixture and create a creamy ranch drizzle for serving.
  • Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Sauté mushrooms and mix into ground meat. Replace cheddar with swiss cheese and wrap with prosciutto instead of traditional bacon. Add a rich mushroom gravy on top for extra umami flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Why use both ground beef and pork in this meatloaf?

The combination creates a more flavorful and juicy meatloaf. Beef provides robust taste while pork adds extra moisture and tenderness to the final dish.

  • Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add bacon and glaze just before baking. This makes meal prep super easy.

  • What if I don't have apple cider vinegar for the glaze?

No worries! You can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice. The goal is to add a tangy balance to the sweet and savory glaze, so any acidic ingredient will work well.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love bacon and cheese, and the familiar cheeseburger flavors make this meatloaf a crowd-pleaser. The glaze is sweet and tangy, which most children enjoy.

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Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic comfort with bold flavors that promise a delightful dinner experience. Juicy beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal perfect for satisfying hungry families and making weeknight dinners memorable.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 0.5 pounds ground pork (optional, adds tenderness)
  • 810 slices bacon

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Topping:

  • 0.25 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a clean cooking surface for the meatloaf.
  2. Create a moisture-enhancing mixture by combining breadcrumbs and milk, allowing the mixture to absorb liquid for about 5 minutes.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, ground pork, finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika to develop rich, layered flavors.
  4. Incorporate the soaked breadcrumbs into the meat mixture, gently folding to maintain a tender texture, then carefully integrate the shredded cheese for pockets of melty goodness.
  5. Mold the seasoned meat mixture into a compact, even loaf shape, positioning it centrally on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Meticulously drape bacon strips across the surface of the meatloaf, carefully tucking the ends underneath to create a complete bacon wrap.
  7. Craft a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well-combined.
  8. Apply half of the prepared glaze generously over the bacon-covered meatloaf, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor development.
  9. Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the bacon to crisp and the meat to cook through.
  10. Brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf, returning it to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160F.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist final result.
  12. Slice the meatloaf and serve alongside classic accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or traditional burger toppings such as crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickles.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef and pork to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor and juicy texture.
  • Soak breadcrumbs in milk creates a tender, moist meatloaf that won’t dry out during baking.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to elevate the classic bacon cheeseburger profile.
  • For a low-carb version, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to maintain binding without adding grains.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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