Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food that combines smoky crispy bacon, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and juicy seasoned ground beef into a hearty and satisfying dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe offers a balanced blend of flavors and textures with easy customization options and great leftovers.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free crumbs or almond flour used)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 6–8 strips bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook bacon strips until crispy and drain on paper towels. Finely chop the onions and measure out all other ingredients for easy access.
- Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and most of the cooked bacon pieces, reserving a few strips for topping the meatloaf.
- Shape and Bake: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan. Top with the remaining bacon strips and cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping every slice moist and flavorful before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat to keep the texture soft and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out.
- Cook bacon separately to keep it crispy and avoid sogginess inside the meatloaf.
- Resting the meatloaf after baking locks in juices for moist slices.
- Mix cheese inside and sprinkle on top for layered cheesy pockets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef meatloaf, bacon meatloaf, easy dinner, family meal, classic American