Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger meatloaf that combines classic burger flavors in a hearty loaf.

Crispy bacon and melted cheese elevate every savory bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Ground beef serves as the perfect canvas for creating a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Sharp cheddar and smoky bacon weave their magic through each tender slice.

The blend of seasonings brings robust flavor that makes traditional meatloaf seem bland by comparison.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this effortless recipe that feeds hungry families in one delicious pan.

Prepare to savor every rich, juicy morsel of this ultimate comfort food creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Delivers hearty protein base with rich, satisfying flavor perfect for classic meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra juiciness and depth to the meat blend for a more complex taste profile.
• Onion: Provides subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation that enhances overall meat flavor.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, punchy flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste complexity.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Creates tender texture and helps ingredients bind together smoothly without becoming dense.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy, umami depth that transforms ordinary meat mixture into gourmet experience.
• Ketchup, Mustard: Brings zesty, slightly sweet undertones that complement meaty base.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasoning blend offering balanced, rounded flavor profile.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully throughout meatloaf, creating pockets of creamy, gooey goodness.
• Bacon: Provides crispy exterior, smoky flavor, and creates stunning visual presentation.

• Brown Sugar: Introduces caramelized sweetness that balances savory meat elements.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy note that cuts through richness of meat and bacon.

Essential Tools For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ground meats and seasonings.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for soaking breadcrumbs and preparing glaze.
• Baking sheet: Used for shaping and baking the meatloaf.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Pastry brush: Great for applying the delicious glaze evenly.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures the meatloaf reaches safe cooking temperature.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing the meatloaf after resting.

How To Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Craft the Meaty Base

Mix ground beef with ground pork in a large bowl. Splash in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Sprinkle garlic and onion for extra kick. Soak breadcrumbs in milk to keep everything juicy. Gently fold in shredded cheese for gooey goodness.

• Wrap in Sizzling Bacon

Create a hearty loaf shape and drape crispy bacon strips across the top. Tuck bacon edges underneath for a neat presentation. Press bacon down to ensure it hugs the meat.

• Create a Tangy Glaze

Whisk ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar into a mouthwatering sauce. This will give your meatloaf a sweet and zesty coating.

• Bake Until Golden

Slide the meatloaf into a 375F oven. After 45 minutes, brush on more glaze. Continue cooking until meat reaches 160F. Let it rest for 10 minutes to lock in those amazing flavors.

• Serve and Devour

Slice the meatloaf and pair with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides. Top with classic burger fixings like pickles and fresh lettuce for extra excitement.

Helpful Tips For Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Bacon-Saving Bacon Tips: Use thick-cut bacon for better coverage and crispier texture on top of the meatloaf.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it a day ahead, then refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor development.
• Lean and Green Alternative: Swap half the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that still maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising moisture.
• Spice Lover's Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a spicy kick that transforms the classic cheeseburger meatloaf into a zesty meal.

Serving Up Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Right

• Burger-Style Side Platter: Create a DIY burger bar with classic condiments like pickles, sliced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and onions. Guests can customize their meatloaf slice just like a burger.
• Cheesy Potato Companion: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or loaded baked potato wedges. The rich, melty cheese in the meatloaf pairs perfectly with potato sides.
• Fresh Veggie Balance: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans. These colorful sides provide a nutritious contrast to the hearty, meaty main dish.
• Tangy Salad Pairing: Prepare a light, zesty coleslaw or garden salad with a vinegar-based dressing. The fresh, crisp salad cuts through the richness of the bacon cheeseburger meatloaf.

Storing And Planning Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Slices stay delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40F or lower, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen meatloaf remains tasty for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm slices in microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
• Portion Control Hack: Cut meatloaf into single-serving slices before storing. This makes grab-and-go meals easier and helps control portion sizes for quick lunch or dinner options throughout the week.

Succulent Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic bacon cheeseburger meatloaf delivers comfort food nostalgia with hearty Midwestern charm. Savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese combine for a satisfying dinner that brings family together at the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a pristine cooking surface for the meatloaf.
2. Moisture Base: Soak breadcrumbs in milk, allowing them to soften and absorb liquid for enhanced texture and richness.
3. Flavor Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, blend ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Meat Composition: Gently fold soaked breadcrumbs into the meat mixture, then carefully integrate shredded cheese, maintaining a delicate, tender consistency.
5. Shaping and Wrapping: Form the seasoned meat into a compact loaf on the prepared baking sheet, then artfully drape bacon strips across the surface, tucking ends underneath to create a complete bacon encasement.
6. Glaze Creation: Whisk together ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth, creating a vibrant, tangy coating.
7. Initial Baking: Apply half the glaze over the bacon-covered meatloaf and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the bacon to crisp and meat to cook thoroughly.
8. Final Touch and Serving: Brush remaining glaze over the meatloaf, return to oven for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160F. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or classic burger accompaniments.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Meat: Mix ground beef and pork to maintain moisture, and avoid overmixing the meat to keep the texture tender and juicy.
• Bacon Placement Technique: Overlap bacon strips slightly and tuck ends underneath to create a complete, crispy bacon wrap that seals in flavors and prevents curling.
• Glaze for Maximum Flavor: Apply glaze in two stages – halfway through cooking and at the end – to build complex, caramelized flavor profiles without burning the surface.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring the meatloaf reaches exactly 160F for safe, perfectly cooked meat while maintaining juiciness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg