Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Introduction

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that combines all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in one satisfying dish, this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is exactly what you need. It’s hearty, cheesy, smoky, and downright irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe takes classic meatloaf to a whole new level. With juicy ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and just the right blend of seasonings, every slice delivers bold flavors that everyone will love.

My recipe story

Meatloaf has always been a nostalgic dish in my family, but I wanted to take it up a notch. Growing up, we enjoyed traditional meatloaf with mashed potatoes, but as I got older, I experimented with different flavor combinations. One night after a backyard BBQ, the idea struck me: why not turn a bacon cheeseburger into a meatloaf? The result was an instant family favorite. Juicy ground beef and pork created the base, sharp cheddar brought gooey richness, and smoky bacon tied it all together. It’s become one of my most requested recipes, and I’m so excited to share it with you today.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you may already have on hand. Each one plays an important role in creating a moist, flavorful, and cheesy loaf that doesn’t skimp on comfort food satisfaction.

Ground beef and ground pork: The base of this recipe is a combination of ground beef and pork. Beef gives it a hearty flavor while pork adds moisture and richness. If you prefer, you can use all beef, but the mix helps balance texture and taste.

Shredded cheddar cheese: This cheese melts beautifully inside the loaf, adding creaminess and bold, tangy flavor. You can also sprinkle a little on top for a golden, cheesy crust.

Bread crumbs: Acting as a binder, bread crumbs keep the meatloaf together while absorbing some of the juices for tenderness. Panko can be used for extra lightness, while seasoned bread crumbs add more flavor.

Bacon: Crispy bacon woven through the mixture or laid on top brings smoky depth and a satisfying crunch. It also gives this meatloaf its cheeseburger-inspired flavor.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Loaf pan (9×5-inch recommended)
• Baking sheet (if free-form loaf style is preferred)
• Foil (optional, for covering during baking)
• Sharp knife for slicing
• Meat thermometer (recommended for perfect doneness)

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Preparing your pan first ensures the mixture doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, and bread crumbs. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed, but don’t overmix to avoid a tough loaf.

Step 3: Add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon into the mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and any additional spices you love, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. Fold everything together gently.

Step 4: Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan, shaping it evenly. If you’re going for a rustic look, shape the loaf by hand and place it on a baking sheet. Press the mixture slightly to eliminate air pockets but keep it light.

Step 5: Bake uncovered for about 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If the top is browning too quickly, cover lightly with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Variations & substitutions

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. If you want more cheeseburger flair, add diced pickles, ketchup, and mustard to the mixture. For a spicy twist, stir in diced jalapeños or swap cheddar with pepper jack cheese. Gluten-free bread crumbs can be used without affecting the recipe’s structure. And for a topping, consider brushing the loaf with barbecue sauce or ketchup before baking for an extra tangy glaze.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This meatloaf keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For freezing, slice the cooled meatloaf into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen meatloaf will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through. For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the loaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Serving ideas & pairings

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food sides. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered corn on the cob for a hearty dinner. For a fresh twist, pair it with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw. If you’re hosting guests, slice it thick and serve with homemade dinner rolls or garlic bread. You can even turn leftovers into sandwiches—just tuck a slice between buns with lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a handheld meal that tastes just like a cheeseburger.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe without pork?
Yes, you can use all ground beef instead of mixing with pork. The flavor will still be delicious, though slightly less rich.

What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon gives a hearty chew, while regular-cut bacon crisps up more evenly. Either works well for this recipe.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Finely diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be mixed in for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
Adding pork, cheese, or even a splash of milk helps keep the loaf moist. Avoid overbaking by using a thermometer.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (163°C) or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Final thoughts

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a comfort food dream come true, combining smoky bacon, melty cheese, and juicy ground beef into one unforgettable dish. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. With plenty of options for variations and make-ahead prep, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding family or looking for the ultimate leftover sandwich, this meatloaf delivers big on flavor and comfort. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first slice.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

---

• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Juicy ground beef and pork baked with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon for a comforting twist on classic meatloaf. Perfect for weeknights or family dinners.

---

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork (or additional beef)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork, bread crumbs, egg, and milk until just combined.

3. Add shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently fold together.

4. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in prepared pan or on a baking sheet for a rustic style.
5. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the center reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or as a sandwich filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American