If you're a fan of classic bacon cheeseburgers, you’re going to love this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. Packed with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and the perfect combination of burger seasonings, this meatloaf brings all the best parts of a cheeseburger into one satisfying dish. Topped with more bacon and a layer of melted cheddar, it’s the perfect dinner for meatloaf lovers who also crave a good burger. Whether you're making it for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

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The Inspiration Behind Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Bacon cheeseburgers are one of the most iconic American meals, beloved for their balance of savory beef, salty bacon, and melty cheese. This meatloaf takes those elements and turns them into a home-cooked comfort dish that’s perfect for any occasion. By incorporating burger flavors like ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce into the meatloaf, you get a juicy, flavorful loaf that feels like biting into a cheeseburger. The bacon adds a smoky, crispy layer, while the cheddar cheese melts perfectly into every slice.

Why Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

What makes this meatloaf a standout is the combination of flavors that perfectly capture everything you love about a cheeseburger. The ground beef is seasoned with onion and garlic powder, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to create a savory, flavorful base. The bacon and cheddar cheese are layered into the loaf for added richness, while the pickles (optional but highly recommended) add a tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients. This recipe is also incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something extra comforting.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

Calories: 480 kcal
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 35g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 650mg

This dish is hearty and packed with protein, making it a satisfying meal on its own. For a balanced plate, pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic combo, serve it with crispy French fries or potato wedges. For a lighter option, pair it with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness of the meatloaf.

For drink pairings, a cold beer—especially a lager or pale ale—complements the cheeseburger flavors perfectly. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, an iced tea or a classic soda, like root beer or cola, would be a great choice.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—just wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Fun Fact: The History of Meatloaf

Meatloaf has roots in both Europe and America, with early versions dating back to ancient Rome. In the United States, it became especially popular during the Great Depression as a way to stretch ground meat by adding breadcrumbs and other fillers. This recipe takes that humble meatloaf to the next level by incorporating all the delicious elements of a bacon cheeseburger, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet nostalgic.

Cooking Tips

• Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can switch things up by using Swiss, pepper jack, or even American cheese for different flavors.
• Make it Juicier: For an extra juicy meatloaf, try adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream to the meat mixture before baking.
• Crispier Bacon: To ensure the bacon stays crispy, you can partially cook it before layering it on top of the meatloaf. This way, it crisps up nicely without overcooking the rest of the loaf.

Optional Variations

• Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak some veggies into your meatloaf, try adding grated carrots, zucchini, or even chopped spinach into the meat mixture.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mixture for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of regular breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Drink Pairings

• Alcoholic: A cold beer, like a lager or IPA, would pair wonderfully with the savory, cheesy flavors of this dish. A glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, would also complement the richness of the meatloaf.
• Non-Alcoholic: A tall glass of iced tea or a classic cola will balance out the richness of the dish and provide a refreshing contrast.

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Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup pickles, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the meatloaf: Press half of the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Layer the remaining meat mixture on top and press it down gently.
4. Top with bacon and cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Add pickles (optional): If using pickles, scatter the chopped pickles on top of the meatloaf during the last 5 minutes of baking.
7. Let it rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines everything you love about a classic bacon cheeseburger into one delicious, easy-to-make dish. The savory beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table asking for more. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this meatloaf is guaranteed to impress and satisfy!