The Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings together all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a cozy, oven-baked format. Think juicy ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon all wrapped into one savory, sliceable dish. This meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser that turns any weeknight dinner into a nostalgic treat.
Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly hearty, this dish is easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or on a sandwich the next day, it delivers robust flavor and timeless appeal. Ideal for potlucks, meal prepping, or family dinners, it captures the essence of American home cooking at its finest.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1.5 pounds ground beef
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1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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2 eggs
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 cup diced onion
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Additional ketchup or BBQ sauce for topping (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion, salt, and pepper.
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Mix until well blended but don’t overwork the meat.
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Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan.
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Spread a thin layer of ketchup or BBQ sauce on top if desired.
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Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
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Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 80 minutes
Kcal: 475 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes resonate more deeply with American families than meatloaf. But what happens when you take this beloved classic and infuse it with the rich, indulgent flavors of a bacon cheeseburger? You get the wildly satisfying Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf a hearty, flavor-packed twist on tradition that combines smoky bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and juicy ground beef into one unforgettable meal.
A Twist on Classic American Dinners
The traditional meatloaf has long been a staple in American kitchens. Dating back to the 19th century and evolving through the Great Depression, meatloaf was an economical way to stretch meat and feed large families. Over the years, the recipe has been modified countless ways to include vegetables, seasonings, and even different types of meat.
The Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf takes the nostalgia of the original and merges it with the mouthwatering experience of a diner-style cheeseburger. It combines two iconic comfort foods into one delivering all the flavors you love from your favorite burger joint in a warm, baked, family-style dish.
Why This Recipe Works
This meatloaf succeeds for many reasons. First, it’s flavorful from the inside out. The richness of ground beef pairs beautifully with the smokiness of cooked bacon and the gooey goodness of cheddar cheese. Every bite is a delicious explosion of umami that keeps you coming back for more.
Second, it’s a perfect recipe for meal prep or weeknight dinners. It’s easy to assemble, can be made ahead of time, and reheats beautifully. The leftovers can even be sliced and used for sandwiches making it a budget-friendly and versatile recipe for busy households.
Ideal for All Skill Levels
One of the best things about Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is that it’s simple to prepare. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to pull off a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. This recipe uses pantry staples like ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and breadcrumbs, making it accessible for beginner cooks and rewarding for experienced ones.
With just one mixing bowl and a baking dish, cleanup is minimal another win for families or home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal mess.
Customizable to Your Taste
The beauty of a recipe like this is how easily it can be customized. Want a little spice? Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. Prefer a different cheese? Try pepper jack for heat, gouda for creaminess, or Swiss for depth. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative if you’re seeking a leaner or vegetarian option.
For added crunch or sweetness, mix in some finely chopped pickles or caramelized onions. Some even top the meatloaf with extra cheese or a layer of crispy fried onions before baking for an over-the-top twist.
Perfect for Family Meals and Gatherings
This dish isn’t just great for casual weeknights it’s also ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a potluck, or a game day party, Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a guaranteed hit. Serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even fries for a full comfort food feast.
Because of its satisfying, all-in-one nature, it’s also a popular dish during colder months when hearty meals are most appreciated.
Nutritional Considerations
While the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is definitely indulgent, it also provides good sources of protein and can be modified to suit different dietary needs. Using lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat cheese, or gluten-free breadcrumbs can reduce calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.
You can also pair this meatloaf with fresh, nutrient-rich sides like a green salad, steamed broccoli, or cauliflower mash to create a more balanced meal.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
What truly sets this recipe apart is its nostalgic flavor profile. It taps into the flavors we all love in a classic cheeseburger beef, cheese, ketchup, mustard, bacon and elevates them in a home-cooked dish that feels familiar and exciting all at once.
Unlike many meatloaf recipes that rely heavily on tomato paste or Italian seasoning, this one embraces Americana flavor through and through. It’s savory, rich, and incredibly satisfying exactly what you want when you’re looking to treat yourself or your family to something special.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is fairly foolproof, there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overmix the meat. Overworking the mixture can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer. For safety and the best texture, cook the loaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest. After baking, give the meatloaf 10 minutes to rest so the juices redistribute, making it easier to slice and more flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides like:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- Macaroni and cheese
- Sweet potato fries
- Creamy coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
To turn it into a next-day meal, slice a cold piece and place it on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo basically a meatloaf burger!
A Family Favorite That Stands the Test of Time
This recipe isn’t just trendy it’s the kind of meal that gets passed down from generation to generation. The familiar flavors evoke memories of cookouts, mom’s kitchen, and Sunday suppers. It’s a dish that brings people together, comforts on cold days, and never fails to satisfy.
In an era when we’re constantly seeking new, fast, and exciting food trends, this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf grounds us in the heart of what really matters delicious food made with love, shared with those we care about most.
Conclusion
In a world of flashy food trends and complicated recipes, Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf reminds us of the beauty in simplicity and nostalgia. It’s comforting, hearty, and endlessly satisfying a culinary mash-up that brings the best of both meatloaf and cheeseburgers into one unforgettable dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this recipe promises to deliver smiles, full bellies, and maybe even a few requests for seconds.
Add it to your meal rotation and watch it quickly become a family favorite the kind of recipe everyone looks forward to and nobody can resist.