Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf – Juicy, Flavor-Packed, and Comforting in Every Bite
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mash-up, this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf has you covered. Imagine everything you love about a juicy bacon cheeseburger — savory beef, melted cheese, smoky bacon, tangy ketchup — all baked together into one irresistible, sliceable loaf. It’s rich, hearty, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
This meatloaf brings all the nostalgia of classic diner flavors right to your dinner table. With crisp bacon woven on top, gooey cheddar cheese in every bite, and a tender, juicy texture inside, it’s a fun twist on traditional meatloaf that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat.
Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a side of pickles and fries, this recipe is the perfect way to bring comfort food back to your weekly rotation — with a flavorful cheeseburger-inspired twist.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Classic flavor combo: Everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger in cozy meatloaf form.
- Perfectly juicy: The right mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and cheese keeps it tender and moist.
- Crowd favorite: Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family.
- Crispy bacon topping: Adds a smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the savory meat and cheese.
- Easy to make: Simple prep, everyday ingredients, and just one bowl.
What You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples and some fresh ingredients to make this loaded meatloaf.
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
- 6–8 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, diced onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix gently with your hands or a large spoon until everything is evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing — this can make the meatloaf dense instead of tender.
Once the mixture is combined, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly mixed throughout.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Form the mixture into a loaf shape on your prepared baking sheet, or press it into a loaf pan if you prefer uniform edges.
Step 4: Add the Bacon and Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make the glaze. Spread a thin layer of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Lay the bacon slices across the top, slightly overlapping, to cover the loaf completely. Brush the bacon lightly with the remaining glaze for that glossy, flavorful finish.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is crisp and golden.
If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the top with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
Slice thickly and serve with your favorite sides — mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple side salad all pair beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Use ground beef with some fat. An 80/20 mix creates juicy, tender meatloaf that doesn’t dry out.
- Don’t overmix. Gently combine ingredients just until they come together for the best texture.
- Add cheese last. Folding it in at the end helps keep gooey pockets of melted cheddar throughout.
- Rest before slicing. It locks in moisture and keeps the loaf from falling apart.
- Cook on a baking sheet. If you like crispy edges, shape the loaf free-form instead of baking it in a pan.
Flavor Variations
Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, you can easily switch up the flavor profile with these fun ideas:
Savory Add-Ins
- Pickles & onions: Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped pickles for extra cheeseburger flavor.
- BBQ twist: Replace ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky touch.
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Mushroom & Swiss: Substitute cheddar for Swiss cheese and add 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms.
Cheese Options
- Cheddar (classic)
- Pepper jack (for a kick)
- Mozzarella (for a gooey melt)
- Smoked gouda (for a deeper flavor)
Serving Suggestions
This hearty meatloaf pairs perfectly with all your favorite comfort sides. Try serving it with:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted garlic potatoes
- Steamed green beans or buttered corn
- Mac and cheese for an indulgent combo
- Coleslaw or simple garden salad for something lighter
You can also slice leftovers and make meatloaf sandwiches — just add lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ketchup or mayo between two toasted buns.
How to Store and Reheat
At Room Temperature:
Let the meatloaf cool completely before storing.
Refrigerator:
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave slices until heated through.
Make-Ahead Option
You can prepare the meatloaf up to a day in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
When it’s time to cook, simply uncover, brush with glaze, add bacon, and bake as directed. This is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Troubleshooting
Meatloaf too dry: Use higher-fat beef or add an extra tablespoon of milk next time.
Bacon not crisp: Broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Falling apart: Make sure the mixture is chilled slightly before shaping and that the loaf rests before slicing.
Not flavorful enough: Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce — it’s key to that deep, savory burger flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with turkey or chicken?
Yes. Use ground turkey or chicken, but add 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1/4 cup grated zucchini for moisture.
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Absolutely — gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers work perfectly.
What if I don’t eat bacon?
You can skip it entirely or top with thin tomato slices brushed with ketchup for a lighter alternative.
Can I stuff it with cheese?
Yes! Form half the meat mixture into a loaf shape, place extra cheese in the center, and top with the rest of the mixture before baking.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
(Nutrition may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf takes a classic comfort dish and turns it into something unforgettable. Juicy, cheesy, and wrapped in crisp bacon, it’s the kind of dinner that always hits the spot — whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a special Sunday supper.
With simple ingredients and foolproof steps, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Slice it thick, serve it warm, and enjoy all the flavors of your favorite burger — in one delicious, hearty loaf.
