Transform your dinner with this juicy bacon cheeseburger meatloaf that combines two comfort food favorites into one amazing dish.
Quick Answer: Make bacon cheeseburger meatloaf by combining ground beef, diced bacon, shredded cheese, and classic burger seasonings. Shape into a loaf, top with more cheese and bacon, then bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until perfectly done.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American Fusion
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: High Protein
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect blend of two comfort food favorites in one delicious dish
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Budget-friendly family meal
- Freezer-friendly for future meals
Quick Benefits
This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines the best of both worlds – juicy burger flavors with the comfort of homestyle meatloaf. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef
- 6 strips bacon, cut into pieces
- 1 cup dill pickle relish, drained
- 3/4 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp liquid smoke flavor
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 6 strips bacon, whole
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Drain excess liquid from pickle relish and cube sharp cheddar cheese. Prepare bacon by cutting six strips into pieces and reserving six whole strips for topping.
- In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, drained relish, crispy fried onions, eggs, panko bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke with your hands. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Fold in the diced bacon pieces and cubed cheddar cheese carefully, ensuring even distribution without overworking the mixture.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a foil-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Arrange the whole bacon strips across the top, overlapping slightly for full coverage.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the glaze. Brush it evenly over the meatloaf surface, then return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until caramelized and bacon crisps.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain its shape and juiciness. Serve warm with preferred sides.
You Must Know
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep it tender
- Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C)
- Let rest before slicing to retain juices
- Use a meat thermometer for best results
- Drain excess fat halfway through cooking if needed
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Classic burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles)
- Ketchup or special sauce
- Toasted burger buns on the side
Creative Variations
- Swiss cheese and mushroom version
- Spicy jalapeño and pepper jack cheese
- BBQ sauce glazed with smoked gouda
- Turkey or chicken version for lighter option
Cultural Notes
This fusion dish combines the American classic meatloaf, which gained popularity during the Great Depression, with the iconic cheeseburger. It represents the evolution of comfort food in modern American cuisine, where traditional dishes are reimagined with popular flavor combinations.
Pro Tips
- Use cold hands when mixing to prevent meat from getting too warm
- Grate onion instead of dicing for better texture
- Create a free-form loaf for more crusty exterior
- Line the pan with bacon strips for extra flavor
- Use a mixture of cheeses for more complex flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make bacon cheeseburger meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Q: Can I freeze this meatloaf?
A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: What’s the best ground beef to use?
A: 80/20 ground beef provides the best flavor and moisture.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead?
A: Yes, turkey bacon works well for a lighter option.
Health Benefits
While bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is an indulgent dish, it provides significant protein and can be made healthier by using lean ground beef, turkey bacon, and reducing cheese quantity. It’s also an excellent source of B vitamins and iron.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 650 • Carbs: 15g • Protein: 45g • Fat: 42g • Sodium: 980mg
Notes
For best results, avoid using lean ground beef as it can result in a drier meatloaf.
Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf
Transform your dinner with this juicy bacon cheeseburger meatloaf that combines two comfort food favorites into one amazing dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, avoid using lean ground beef as it can result in a drier meatloaf.