Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Picture this: it’s Tuesday evening, you’re staring at another pound of ground beef, and the family is already asking “what’s for dinner?” instead of settling for the same old meatloaf recipe, what if you could serve up all the flavors of their favorite bacon cheeseburger in a hearty, home-cooked meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds?

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines the best of both worlds – the comfort of traditional meatloaf with the irresistible flavors of a loaded bacon cheeseburger. With crispy bacon pieces, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy ketchup glaze, this recipe transforms humble ground beef into a show-stopping dinner that tastes like it came straight from your favorite burger joint. Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to make and feeds the whole family with minimal prep work.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy
Diet Classifications: Gluten-free option available

What makes this special: A hidden layer of melted cheddar cheese runs through the center, while bacon and cheese crown the top for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Works

The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its layered construction and the perfect balance of moisture and flavor. Traditional meatloaf can often turn out dry or bland, but this version incorporates mayonnaise as a secret weapon to keep the meat incredibly tender and juicy. The mayo not only adds moisture but also helps bind the ingredients without making the texture heavy.

The layered approach creates a delightful surprise when you slice into the meatloaf. Instead of mixing all the cheese throughout, we create a molten cheese center that oozes out with each cut, just like biting into a perfectly cooked cheeseburger. The combination of shredded and cubed cheese ensures you get both melty goodness and distinct pockets of sharp cheddar flavor.

Using 85/15 ground beef strikes the perfect balance between flavor and texture. Leaner ground beef would result in a dry meatloaf, while fattier blends might make it greasy. The panko breadcrumbs add just enough structure without making the meatloaf dense, and the Worcestershire sauce provides that umami depth that makes this taste like more than just seasoned ground beef.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (85/15 blend)
• 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled (divided)
• 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup ketchup, divided
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (prepared)

Shopping Tips: Look for thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor. Medium cheddar provides the ideal balance of sharpness and meltability – avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as freshly grated melts more smoothly.

Substitution Options:

• Gluten-free: Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers
• Lower fat: Use Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise
• Cheese variations: Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack work beautifully
• Bacon alternatives: Turkey bacon or pancetta can be substituted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Place the prepared pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Bacon

Shred three-quarters of the cheddar cheese using a box grater or food processor. Cut the remaining quarter into small 1/4-inch cubes – these will create pockets of melted cheese throughout the finished meatloaf. Set aside about 1/4 of the bacon crumbles for topping.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, three-quarters of the bacon crumbles, one-third of the shredded cheddar, beaten eggs, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and mustard. Mix with your hands or a large spoon until just combined – overmixing will result in a tough, dense meatloaf.

Pro tip: The mixture should hold together when squeezed but still look a bit shaggy. If it seems too wet, add a tablespoon more panko. Too dry? Add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise.

Step 4: Create the Cheese-Stuffed Layers

Place one-third of the meat mixture into the bottom of your prepared loaf pan, pressing it gently to create an even layer. Using a spoon or your fingers, create a shallow well down the center, leaving about an inch border on all sides.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar (not the cubes) into this well, then carefully cover with the remaining meat mixture. Press the edges to seal and create a smooth top.

Step 5: Add the Glaze and Bake

Spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This creates a beautiful caramelized glaze as it bakes. Place the loaf pan on the prepared baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.

Step 6: Rest and Finish

Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes – this crucial step allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing much easier. Top with the reserved bacon crumbles and cubed cheddar cheese just before serving.

Visual cues to watch for: The meatloaf should be firm to the touch, the ketchup glaze should be caramelized and slightly darkened, and clear juices should run when pierced with a knife.

Expert Tips & Variations

Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

• Temperature matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking
• Rest before slicing: That 10-minute rest period prevents the meatloaf from falling apart
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake
• Bacon shortcut: Cook a whole package of bacon on the weekend and freeze portions for quick weeknight meals
• Even cooking: If your meatloaf browns too quickly on top, tent it with foil for the last 15 minutes

Delicious Variations:

• BBQ Style: Replace ketchup glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese
• Mushroom Swiss: Sauté mushrooms and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar
• Breakfast Style: Add diced hash browns to the mixture for extra heartiness
• Lighter Option: Looking for a healthier alternative? Try our Easy Chicken Meatloaf Recipe for a delicious twist on this classic comfort food

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Slice and microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or reheat whole loaf in 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes

Nutritional Information & Dietary Notes

Per Serving (1/8 of loaf):

• Calories: approximately 485
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 8g

Health Benefits: This recipe provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and B-vitamins from the beef. The eggs contribute additional protein and healthy fats.

Kid-Friendly Tips: The familiar flavors of bacon and cheese make this an instant hit with children. Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic American comfort food sides. Consider serving with:

Complementary Dishes:

• Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans
• Classic coleslaw for a fresh, crunchy contrast
• Baked sweet potato fries for a healthier twist
• Our Delicious Loaded Fries Recipe for the ultimate comfort food feast

Beverage Pairings:

• A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
• Cold beer – lagers and wheat beers work particularly well
• For non-alcoholic options: iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with lime

Seasonal Serving Ideas: In summer, serve slices cold on toasted buns as meatloaf sandwiches for picnics. During cooler months, pair with warm, comforting sides for the ultimate cozy dinner. Love these cheeseburger flavors? You’ll also adore our Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers for a lower-carb option with all the same great taste.

Have you ever tried hiding cheese in the middle of your meatloaf before? I’d love to hear about your favorite meatloaf tricks and variations! This recipe has become a regular rotation meal in our house because it satisfies everyone’s craving for both comfort food and bold flavors.

What creative mix-ins would you like to see in a meatloaf recipe? I’m always experimenting with new flavor combinations and would love your suggestions for future recipes. If you enjoyed this burger-inspired meatloaf, don’t miss our Big Mac Wraps Recipe for another creative take on classic burger flavors.

And if you make this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, please share a photo – there’s nothing I love more than seeing your kitchen successes! For more hearty family dinners that everyone will love, check out our Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Recipe.

Don’t forget to rate this recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Your feedback helps me create even better recipes for fellow home cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the entire meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

What substitutions work for the bacon? Turkey bacon, pancetta, or even crispy prosciutto work well. You could also use ham or skip the pork entirely and add extra cheese and seasonings for a cheeseburger-only flavor profile.

How do I know when the meatloaf is properly cooked? The internal temperature should reach 160°F when measured with a meat thermometer. The meatloaf should also feel firm to the touch and clear juices should run when pierced with a knife.

Can this be frozen? Yes! You can freeze the baked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also freeze the unbaked, assembled meatloaf for up to 1 month.

What if I don’t have a traditional loaf pan? You can shape the meatloaf by hand on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This method actually allows for better browning on all sides and slightly faster cooking time (check at 50 minutes).

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