Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: A Juicy, Cheesy Twist on a Classic That Combines the Best of Two Dishes

Craving both a bacon cheeseburger and meatloaf? This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate combination of two beloved comfort foods, bringing you all the flavors of a cheeseburger in the form of a hearty, juicy meatloaf. With melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, each bite delivers that satisfying burger experience in a family-friendly format. Whether you’re serving this for dinner or slicing it up for sandwiches the next day, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

This recipe takes the comforting nostalgia of traditional meatloaf and gives it a fun, burger-inspired twist. Think of it as the ultimate upgrade—packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, like cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and, of course, crispy bacon. This meatloaf is designed to give you that gooey, cheesy center and a satisfying crispy bacon top, all while staying tender and moist inside. It’s the perfect mashup of flavors, and just like your favorite cheeseburger, you can customize it with toppings like ketchup, mustard, or pickles.

Why Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Will Be Your New Favorite Dinner

This meatloaf combines all the best elements of a bacon cheeseburger into one easy-to-make dish. The bacon on top crisps up beautifully in the oven, while the cheddar cheese inside melts into gooey perfection. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether you enjoy it straight out of the oven or slice it up for sandwiches the next day, it’s packed with flavor and guaranteed to please a crowd. The savory ground beef, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder, ensures every bite is deliciously juicy.

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

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fiber: 1g

This dish is rich and indulgent, perfect for satisfying those hearty appetites.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. To go all-in on the burger theme, add a side of crispy fries or roasted sweet potatoes. Don’t forget to garnish with your favorite burger toppings—pickles, ketchup, mustard, and even a dollop of mayo to really bring out that cheeseburger flavor!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you want to keep the bacon crispy, try reheating the meatloaf under the broiler for a few minutes. This meatloaf also freezes beautifully—wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Fun Fact: The Bacon and Cheese Combo

The bacon cheeseburger became a popular variation of the standard hamburger in the 1930s, and ever since, the combo of crispy bacon and melted cheese has become an irresistible pairing. By bringing this iconic duo into a meatloaf, we’re elevating both comfort foods with layers of flavor and texture that make every bite mouth-wateringly delicious.

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Cooking Tips

Don’t Overmix: When combining the ground beef with the other ingredients, be sure not to overmix. Overworking the meat can result in a denser, less tender texture. Cheese Distribution: For the best cheesy goodness, fold the shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the meat mixture before baking. Crispy Bacon Tip: To ensure your bacon stays crispy, lay it across the meatloaf with the ends tucked under to prevent curling as it bakes.

Optional Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick. BBQ Lover’s Twist: Swap out the Worcestershire sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce to give the meatloaf a smoky, tangy flavor. Stuffed Cheese: For an extra cheesy surprise, place a slice of cheese in the center of the meatloaf mixture before baking.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4-5 slices bacon
• Additional toppings: sliced pickles, ketchup, and mustard for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Loaf Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Add the Cheese: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
4. Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf. Press the top to smooth it out.
5. Add the Bacon: Lay the slices of bacon across the top of the meatloaf, covering it completely. Tuck the ends of the bacon slices underneath the loaf to prevent them from curling during cooking.
6. Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender, juicy meatloaf. Serve with your favorite burger toppings like sliced pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delicious, cheesy twist on the classic meatloaf, combining the best parts of a bacon cheeseburger into one dish. It’s rich, savory, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun twist on burger night. With layers of flavor and a crispy bacon topping, this meatloaf is bound to become a new family favorite. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!