77-Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction: The Unexpected Twist on Classic Comfort Food

The average American eats about 50 pounds of ground beef a year! That’s a giant helping of meatloaf, meatballs, tacos and, of course, hamburgers! What is comfort food other than food that comforts, and in that effort, there’s one dish that wins for its stark simplicity and ability to suit just about every palate, the meatloaf. But here’s the catch — we’re not talking about the boring, dry meatloaf your grandma used to make. Oh no, we’re about to take that humble meatloaf to the next level with a combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese and all of the good savory, cheeseburger-y stuff that makes people giddy.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a fun, hearty, and delicious take on a classic American comfort food. It captures the flavors of a hearty bacon cheeseburger, then mixes them with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of meatloaf. Just right for someone who might think they like a cheeseburger or just needs a dinner that will please a crowd. This recipe is what to make, whether you’re whipping up a weeknight family dinner or planning a weekend soirée with friends.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through how to prepare the perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. We’ll also offer some tips and tricks, answer some frequently asked questions and provide some useful serving suggestions to help you elevate your meal. By then, you will have a recipe that is simple to prepare and loaded with flavor, one sure to become popular in your home.

What You Need to Know About Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

You might think, “Bacon? At first glance. Cheeseburger? In a meatloaf?” And while it may seem odd to you, once you take a bite, you’ll understand precisely how this combination comes together beautifully.

We all know traditional meatloaf that’s a little dry or old-fashioned. But by incorporating the added textures and flavors of bacon and cheddar cheese, we’re taking it to delicious new heights, making it a true crowd-pleaser. The crispy bacon contributes a smoky crunch, the cheddar cheese melts into the meatloaf, making each indulgent, creamy bite, the seasonings encourage the bold, savory flavors that make this dish feel like a gourmet meal on a dinner table.

In essence, Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is everything we love about a juicy bacon cheeseburger, formed together in a comforting, hearth-baked loaf. It’s a recipe that takes comfort food to the next level — one bite and we’re sure you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Now that we’ve got you interested, let’s go through the ingredients that are going to make this recipe shine. As most of these are kitchen staples, they are pretty much readily available at your local grocery store.

For the Meatloaf:

Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): The meatloaf’s base. Ground beef that is 80/20 of fat works best, because it has the perfect ratio of flavor and moisture.

Bacon (4-5 slices): The crunchy bacon bits are the secret ingredient that lends that smoky, savory goodness that will make this meatloaf special.

Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): The melty, gooey cheese that brings it all together and gives this dish a cheesy, burger-esque vibe.

Bread crumbs (1 cup): This is key to allowing the meatloaf to hold together, yet remain moist.

Eggs (2 large): Eggs act as a binder and add to the structure of the meatloaf.

Milk (1/4 cup): Moisture that keeps the meatloaf from drying out.

Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Sweetens and deepens the flavor.

Mustard (1 tablespoon): A touch of mustard adds a mild bite that complements the cheeseburger flavors.

Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): To add a note of savory flavor.

Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Imparts a mild, sweet flavor that boosts the meatiness.

Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth of flavor and a savory, umami kick.

Salt and pepper (to taste): Critical for getting that meatloaf just the right flavor.

For the Topping:

Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): More cheese on top gives that cheesy crust — we all love what happens to cheese on a good burger.

Crispy bacon (2-3 slices; crumbled): More crispy bacon home-style bacon always makes everything better, so use more bacon on your meatloaf.

Ketchup (1/4 cup): An unenviable condiment on a burger-themed dish. Drizzle it over, or pass it at the side.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. This dish is an easy recipe, perfect for even novice chefs to follow.

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Grease Your Pan

Grease or line a loaf pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow the meatloaf to cook evenly and for the cleanup to get done easily.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until nice and crispy. Remove bacon and place on paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces, reserving a few pieces for topping.

Step 3: Combine All the Meatloaf Ingredients

Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worchestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir everything together with your hands or a spoon until fully combined.

When the meat mixture is done, toss the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the bowl and mix it in. The cheese melts into the meat, adding richness, while the bacon provides a smoky crunch.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf

Scrape meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Lightly flatten it to a nice smooth loaf shape. The mixture should fill the pan nearly to the brim, but it doesn’t need to be packed in tightly.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf

Put the pan into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can confirm this with a meat thermometer to make sure the meatloaf’s cooked through but not overdone.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

When the meatloaf is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and top it with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Top it all with crumbled bacon for even more crunch and flavor. Put the meatloaf in the oven for another 5 minutes so that the cheese can melt and the bacon can crisp up.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

When the cheese is melted and bubbly, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest about 5 minutes, before slicing. That allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender, juicy meatloaf.

Spoon some ketchup over it or serve on the side, dig in, and experience the ultimate soul food!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Don’t overmix the meat: Overmixing will cause a dense, tough meatloaf. Gently stir the ingredients together until they are just mixed.

Use thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon will have a better texture in the crumb-meat combination, and a heartier flavor.

Incorporate an unexpected element: An extra zing in your meatloaf? For extra layer of flavor, try mixing in chopped pickles, jalapeños or barbecue sauce.

Try out different cheeses: Though cheddar is the traditional option, mixing in different kinds like mozzarella, American cheese, or Swiss will offer new flavor notes.

Rest the meatloaf before you slice it: Give the meatloaf a chance to rest before slicing it so the juices stay in the meat and it won’t fall apart.

Serve with a salad or crispy fries: A simple salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy French fries all make for wonderful accompaniments to this meatloaf for a complete meal.

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Key Takeaways:

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is an easy, delicious spin on classic meatloaf, with all the components of a juicy cheeseburger!
This meatloaf is taken to the next level with the addition bacon, cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices.
And it’s customizable with your favorite burger toppings and sides, making it a go-to for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. You may want to add additional seasoning for the leaner meat.

2. Can you freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf?

Absolutely! Cooked meatloaf can then be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with plastic or foil, and when ready to eat, thaw and reheat in a reheated 350°F oven until warmed through.

3. How do I make the meatloaf less greasy?

For a lighter version, you can use leaner ground beef or you can drain the excess grease from the bacon before mixing it in with the meat mixture.

4. Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?

Yes, you can make the meat mixture the night before, store in the fridge, then bake the next day. Great time-saver for busy evenings!

5. What should I serve with Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf?

This meatloaf would be great with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a side salad or some crispy onion rings.

6. How do I know when my meatloaf is fully cooked?

If you want to know if your meatloaf is done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C). If you don’t own a thermometer, you can also cut into the center and see if any pinkness remains.

Conclusion: A Meatloaf Worth Trying

If you want something different out of an old standby, try Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. And with its irresistible combo of bacon, cheddar cheese and the salty deliciousness of a cheeseburger, it’s the ultimate in comfort food. It is easy to make, customizable and flavor-packed — the perfect dish the next time your family is gathering or friends are coming over. So come on, give this recipe a try, and tell us how it became your new family favorite!