Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Introduction

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. Imagine the smoky, savory flavors of a bacon cheeseburger baked into a tender, juicy meatloaf that’s oozing with melted cheddar. It’s hearty, satisfying, and an absolute crowd-pleaser that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for casual get-togethers. With a balance of textures and flavors—crispy bacon, seasoned beef, gooey cheese—this dish transforms an everyday meatloaf into something special.

My recipe story

This recipe was born from my love of both burgers and meatloaf. Growing up, cheeseburgers were a family staple, especially on weekends when we fired up the grill. Meatloaf, on the other hand, was my mom’s go-to for a comforting Sunday dinner. One evening, I decided to combine the two, wrapping the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger into the form of a loaf. The result was so delicious, it quickly became a household favorite. Over time, I refined the recipe to strike the perfect balance between smoky bacon, seasoned meat, and melty cheese. Today, it’s a dish I make when I want to wow guests or indulge in something truly comforting.

Ingredient breakdown

The ingredients in this recipe are simple yet carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor. The base is ground beef, which brings that signature burger taste. I like to mix in a bit of ground pork for extra juiciness, though it’s completely optional. The meat mixture is seasoned with classic burger add-ins like onions, breadcrumbs, and an egg to hold everything together. Shredded cheddar is layered inside and sprinkled throughout, giving the meatloaf those irresistible cheesy pockets.

Bacon plays a starring role here, not only for its smoky flavor but also for the way it crisps up beautifully on the outside of the loaf. A bit of ketchup or barbecue sauce brushed over the top adds a glossy finish and ties the flavors together. You’ll find that each ingredient enhances the others, making every slice taste like a loaded cheeseburger in loaf form.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large mixing bowl
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the meat mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf dense. Once combined, set aside a handful of shredded cheddar for topping and fold the rest into the meat mixture for gooey cheesiness inside.

Step 2: Shape the loaf. Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape it by hand into a loaf on a baking sheet. Pat it down gently so it holds together but isn’t compacted too tightly. Creating a slight indentation in the top helps the loaf cook evenly and prevents cracking. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar across the top for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Add the bacon. Lay strips of bacon across the top of the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath if needed. The bacon not only infuses flavor but also bastes the meatloaf as it cooks, keeping it moist. You can slightly overlap the strips to cover the entire loaf, creating a crispy, flavorful crust once baked.

Step 4: Bake the meatloaf. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If the bacon browns too quickly, tent the loaf with foil to prevent burning while allowing the meat to finish cooking. In the final 10 minutes, brush the top with ketchup or barbecue sauce for a glossy glaze.

Step 5: Rest and serve. Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This step is essential, as it allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the slices moist. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Variations & substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a fun twist. If you prefer a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef and pork. For a bolder flavor, mix in chopped pickles, jalapeños, or a spoonful of mustard directly into the meat mixture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers also work as a binding agent. Vegetarians can experiment with plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese, keeping the same structure and seasonings for a satisfying alternative.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftover bacon cheeseburger meatloaf keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. For freezing, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil, storing them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To make ahead, you can assemble the loaf and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Serving ideas & pairings

This meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic comfort food sides. Creamy mashed potatoes and buttered corn create a nostalgic dinner plate. For something lighter, serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. It also works well with macaroni and cheese for an indulgent pairing. To capture the full “burger” experience, try serving slices with burger toppings like pickles, lettuce, and tomato on the side. A cold glass of root beer or a light lager rounds out the meal perfectly.

FAQ

Can I use only ground beef?
Yes, ground beef alone works just fine. The pork simply adds extra juiciness and flavor.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a bold twist.

How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometer—when the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C), the loaf is safe to eat.

Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the loaf, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.

How can I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?
Make sure you’re using enough binder (egg and breadcrumbs) and allow the loaf to rest before slicing.

Final thoughts

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is comfort food elevated—a dish that marries the nostalgia of meatloaf with the flavor-packed fun of a cheeseburger. It’s hearty, versatile, and sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself craving its savory, cheesy goodness again and again.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Juicy, cheesy, and wrapped in smoky bacon, this meatloaf tastes like your favorite cheeseburger in loaf form. Perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

•  lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb ground pork (optional or use more beef)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

• 1 large egg

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 6–8 slices bacon
• 1/4 cup ketchup or barbecue sauce (for glaze)
  

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, egg, onion, salt, pepper, and 3/4 cup cheddar until just combined.

3. Shape the mixture into a loaf in the pan or on the sheet. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top.

4. Lay bacon strips across the loaf, tucking the ends underneath.
5. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Brush the top with ketchup or barbecue sauce in the final 10 minutes of baking.

7. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
   

Notes

 Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American