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
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a pristine cooking surface for the meatloaf.
- Moisture Base: Soak breadcrumbs in milk, allowing them to soften and absorb liquid for enhanced texture and richness.
- 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.
- Meat Composition: Gently fold soaked breadcrumbs into the meat mixture, then carefully integrate shredded cheese, maintaining a delicate, tender consistency.
- 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.
- Glaze Creation: Whisk together ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth, creating a vibrant, tangy coating.
- 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.
- 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