Description
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delicious fusion of classic cheeseburger flavors baked into a hearty meatloaf. Featuring juicy ground beef, crispy smoky bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, combined with savory seasonings and a touch of tangy ketchup, this recipe delivers comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s simple to prepare and perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour/gluten-free crackers for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sautéed diced onion
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crispy cooked bacon, chopped (plus extra for topping)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserve some for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the bacon until crisp, then chop finely. Sauté diced onions until soft and translucent. Grate the cheddar cheese and set all aside to have the flavors ready for mixing.
- Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs (or gluten-free substitute), eggs, sautéed onions, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and half of the chopped bacon. Mix gently but thoroughly to avoid overworking the meat and ensure a tender texture.
- Add Cheese and Form the Loaf: Fold most of the shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, reserving some for topping. Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top for a golden, melty finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatloaf for about 60 minutes. For best results, loosely cover the meatloaf with foil during the first 40 minutes to lock in moisture, then uncover it to brown the top with cheese and bacon.
- Let it Rest and Serve: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps redistribute the juices, ensuring moist and flavorful slices.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf.
- Use fresh onions and quality bacon for enhanced flavor.
- Breadcrumbs can be replaced with crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery texture.
- Check meatloaf internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure proper cooking.
- Rest meatloaf slices before serving to keep them intact and juicy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, meatloaf recipe, bacon meatloaf, cheeseburger recipe, comfort food, family dinner, gluten free meatloaf