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)
- 8–10 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
- Preheat the oven to 375F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a clean cooking surface for the meatloaf.
- Create a moisture-enhancing mixture by combining breadcrumbs and milk, allowing the mixture to absorb liquid for about 5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mold the seasoned meat mixture into a compact, even loaf shape, positioning it centrally on the prepared baking sheet.
- Meticulously drape bacon strips across the surface of the meatloaf, carefully tucking the ends underneath to create a complete bacon wrap.
- Craft a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well-combined.
- Apply half of the prepared glaze generously over the bacon-covered meatloaf, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor development.
- Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the bacon to crisp and the meat to cook through.
- Brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf, returning it to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160F.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist final result.
- 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