Description
Transform ground beef into the ultimate comfort food with this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe! Featuring crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy ketchup glaze, this hearty family dinner combines all your favorite cheeseburger flavors in one delicious meatloaf. With a hidden layer of melted cheese running through the center, every slice delivers restaurant-quality taste that’s ready in just 80 minutes.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare the Cheese and Bacon: Shred three-quarters of the cheddar cheese using a box grater. Cut the remaining quarter into small 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside about 1/4 of the bacon crumbles for topping.
- 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 until just combined.
- Create the Cheese-Stuffed Layers: Place one-third of the meat mixture into the bottom of your prepared loaf pan. Create a shallow well down the center, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar into this well. Cover with the remaining meat mixture and press edges to seal.
- Add the Glaze and Bake: Spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the top. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Finish: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. Top with the reserved bacon crumbles and cubed cheddar cheese just before serving.
Notes
For best results, use 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf. The 10-minute rest period is crucial for easy slicing. Meatloaf can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, comfort food meatloaf, family dinner recipe, ground beef recipe, cheesy meatloaf, bacon meatloaf