There’s something magical about bringing together two beloved classics—bacon cheeseburgers and meatloaf—to create a dish that’s both nostalgic and novel. Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf captures all the flavors you crave from a juicy burger, wrapped into a hearty, sliceable loaf that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or relaxing weekends at home. With crispy bacon, gooey cheese, tender beef, and a hint of tangy burger sauce, it’s an irresistible centerpiece that everyone will be asking for again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, gather the following:
- 900 grams (2 lbs) ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 150 grams (5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded or cubed
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) ketchup
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) yellow mustard
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lining a loaf pan with parchment—this makes removal and cleanup much easier. In a large skillet, fry the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy but not brittle; they’ll finish crisping in the oven. Remove the bacon to a plate and let it cool, then chop or crumble into bite-sized pieces, reserving a few whole strips to top the loaf if desired.
In a big mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, and all the cooked bacon except your reserved strips. Sprinkle in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, making sure to mix lightly but thoroughly so every slice will be packed with flavor.
Add the ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, fold everything together gently—the less you handle it, the more tender the loaf will be.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to shape a classic meatloaf form without compacting the meat too much. Arrange the reserved bacon strips on top for a show-stopping finish, then pop the pan into your preheated oven.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the cheese is bubbling. Let it rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing—this helps keep all the juices and gooey cheese inside. Serve with extra burger sauce on the side and fresh parsley for a bright touch.
Tips for Maximum Flavor and Texture
The secret to a moist, flavorful bacon cheeseburger meatloaf lies in balancing lean and fatty meats, adding enough binder (like breadcrumbs or crackers), and using a medley of cheeses. If you want a deeper flavor, swap in smoked cheddar or add a splash of barbecue sauce. For a spicy kick, fold in diced pickled jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne. Don’t skip the resting step; it’s essential for perfect slices.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is wonderfully forgiving and actually tastes even better the next day. Prepare the mixture and store it tightly covered in the fridge overnight for easy baking later, or freeze the raw loaf for up to a month.
Leftover slices can be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in the microwave or oven for a quick, satisfying lunch. Meatloaf sandwiches with tangy pickles, lettuce, and tomato are always a hit.
Creative Ways to Serve and Pair
To make your meal feel like a true cheeseburger feast, pair meatloaf slices with golden potato wedges, a crisp green salad with onions and tomatoes, and classic burger toppings like dill pickles or grilled mushrooms.
For game nights and potlucks, serve bite-sized slices or cubes on toothpicks with dipping sauces. Kids love it with extra ketchup, while adults might enjoy a splash of sriracha or creamy ranch sauce.
Family Traditions and Shared Memories
Over time, this recipe evolves as a family favorite—customizable for picky eaters, perfect for sharing at gatherings, and always resulting in smiles.
The aroma of baking bacon and melting cheese fills the kitchen with warmth, marking those momentous occasions when comfort food brings everyone together. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with your own flavor combinations, bacon cheeseburger meatloaf will quickly become a signature dish in your household.
How to Make It Gluten-Free or Low-Carb
For those watching gluten or carbs, substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for traditional breadcrumbs. Choose low-sugar ketchup and mayonnaise, and reach for high-quality cheeses to keep the loaf rich without the extras. The recipe remains indulgent and crowd-pleasing, proving comfort food can suit all lifestyles.
