Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Dinner

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Transform your dinner routine with this juicy bacon cheeseburger meatloaf that combines two comfort food favorites into one spectacular dish.

Quick Answer: Make this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf by combining ground beef, bacon, cheese, and classic burger seasonings. Shape into a loaf, top with more bacon and cheese, then bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until perfectly done.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: High-protein

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect blend of two comfort food classics in one delicious meal
Easy prep with minimal cleanup required
Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully
Budget-friendly way to feed a family
Freezer-friendly for future meals

Quick Benefits

This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf delivers all the flavors you love in a burger but in an easy-to-prepare loaf form. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, creates minimal dishes, and provides delicious leftovers for sandwiches.

Ingredients

1/2 cup dill pickle relish or run a few pickles through the food processor
2 pounds lean ground beef
1/4 cup crispy fried onions (or substitute 2 tablespoons onion flakes or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
2 eggs
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoke flavor
8 ounces sharp cheddar, small dice
16 slices uncooked bacon, divided
1/2 cup ketchup (use any kind you like)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or equal amount of brown sugar
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Drain most of the liquid out of the pickle relish.
In a large bowl, combine the pickle relish, ground beef, fried onions, eggs, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoke flavor. Mix lightly until combined.
Use scissors to snip 6 bacon strips into small pieces and gently mix them into the meatloaf mixture. Then gently mix in the diced cheddar cheese.
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a 9×13-inch baking pan or on a baking sheet. Line the pan with aluminum foil to minimize cleanup if desired. Lay the remaining bacon slices on top of the loaf.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, maple syrup, and sriracha (if using).
Brush the glaze over the meatloaf and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

You Must Know

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep it tender
Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness
Drain excess fat halfway through cooking if needed
Use a loaf pan with drainage holes if possible
Allow proper resting time for easy slicing

Serving Suggestions

Garlic mashed potatoes
Steamed green beans
Fresh garden salad
Roasted sweet potato wedges
Sautéed mushrooms

Creative Variations

Use different cheese combinations like Swiss and provolone
Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick
Incorporate BBQ sauce instead of ketchup and mustard
Use ground turkey for a lighter version

Cultural Notes

Meatloaf has been a staple of American cuisine since the Great Depression, when it helped stretch expensive meat further. This modern fusion version combines the beloved hamburger with traditional meatloaf techniques for a contemporary comfort food experience.

Pro Tips

Use cold cheese for better melting results
Pre-cook onions for sweeter flavor
Line the bottom of pan with bread slices to absorb excess fat
Score the top before adding bacon for better adherence

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this 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 leftovers?
A: Yes, wrap well 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?
A: Yes, though it won’t render as much fat or provide the same crispy texture.

Health Benefits

While indulgent, this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf provides significant protein and can be made healthier by using lean ground beef and reducing cheese content. 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, bring ingredients to room temperature before mixing and ensure even distribution of cheese throughout the loaf.