Meatballs & Meatloaf

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 6 slices of bacon, diced; 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1/4 cup (60g) ketchup; 1 tbsp (15g) Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper

By Caleb Wycliffe · June 19, 2026 · Meatballs & Meatloaf

Prep20 min

Cook45 min

Total65 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made a meatloaf for my family. It was a simple recipe, but the way the flavors came together and the texture of the meat just blew us all away. Since then, I've been experimenting with different variations, and one of my favorites is this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf.

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the classic flavors of a cheeseburger but wants to enjoy them in a more comforting, homestyle dish. The combination of ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a tangy ketchup-based sauce is absolute perfection.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You can have it ready in under an hour, and it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with the family. The best part is that you can customize it to your liking with your favorite toppings or sides.

If you're a fan of cheeseburgers, you'll love this meatloaf. It's like a giant cheeseburger in loaf form, but with a more comforting, homemade feel. And the best part is that it's incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner cook.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. From the ingredients to the cooking technique, I'll cover everything you need to know to make this dish a success. So let's get started and make a meatloaf that will become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a comforting, homestyle dish that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
The combination of ground beef, bacon, cheese, and ketchup-based sauce is a classic flavor combination that everyone will love.
You can customize the recipe to your liking with your favorite toppings or sides.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of protein and comfort food in one delicious dish.
The leftovers are just as delicious as the first serving, making it a great recipe for meal prep.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great meatloaf is in the layers of flavor. In this recipe, we're using a combination of ground beef, bacon, cheese, and a tangy ketchup-based sauce to create a rich, savory flavor profile. The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the beef perfectly, while the cheese adds a creamy, melty texture.

The cooking technique is also important. By cooking the meatloaf in a preheated oven, we're able to get a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. And by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, we can ensure that the meatloaf is cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking it.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the resting time. After the meatloaf is cooked, it's essential to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf even more tender and flavorful.

Overall, this recipe works because it combines simple, accessible ingredients with a straightforward cooking technique. The result is a delicious, comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players are ground beef, bacon, cheese, and a tangy ketchup-based sauce. You'll also need some basic pantry staples like onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose high-quality ground beef that's at least 80% lean. You'll also want to select a good-quality bacon that's thick-cut and smoked to perfection. For the cheese, you can use any type of cheddar or American cheese that you like.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose high-quality ground beef that's at least 80% lean. This will ensure that the meatloaf is juicy and flavorful without being too greasy.
6 slices of bacon, dicedThick-cut, smoked bacon is best for this recipe. It adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheeseYou can use any type of cheddar or American cheese that you like. Just be sure to choose a high-quality cheese that melts well and has a rich flavor.
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbsPanko breadcrumbs are a good choice for this recipe. They're light and airy, which helps to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped onionYou can use any type of onion that you like, but yellow or white onion works best. Just be sure to chop it finely so that it cooks evenly and doesn't overpower the other flavors.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a rich, savory flavor to the meatloaf. Just be sure to mince it finely so that it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
1 eggThe egg helps to bind the ingredients together and keep the meatloaf moist. Just be sure to choose a fresh egg and beat it well before adding it to the mixture.
1/4 cup (60g) ketchupKetchup adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the meatloaf. You can use any type of ketchup that you like, but be sure to choose a high-quality brand that's low in sugar and artificial ingredients.
1 tbsp (15g) Worcestershire sauceWorcestershire sauce adds a rich, savory flavor to the meatloaf. It's a key ingredient in many meatloaf recipes, and it helps to balance out the sweetness of the ketchup.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the beef and bacon. Just be sure to use a high-quality salt that's fresh and flavorful.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle, slightly spicy flavor to the meatloaf. Just be sure to use a high-quality pepper that's fresh and flavorful.

Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlMeat thermometerInstant-read thermometer9x5-inch loaf panCutting boardChef's knife

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the meatloaf cooks evenly and at the right temperature.
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced bacon, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
3
Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x5-inch loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Make sure to press the mixture into the corners of the pan and smooth out the top. This will help the meatloaf cook evenly and prevent it from cracking.
4
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can check the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf.
5
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup (60g) of ketchup and 2 tbsp (30g) of brown sugar. This will create a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
6
After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, brush the topping evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This will help to create a caramelized crust and add extra flavor to the dish.
7
Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf.
8
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to retain its moisture.
9
Slice the meatloaf into thick slices and serve hot. You can serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
10
To add extra flavor and texture to the dish, you can top the meatloaf with additional ingredients such as diced onions, chopped bacon, or shredded cheese. Just be sure to choose ingredients that complement the flavors of the meatloaf and don't overpower the other ingredients.
11
Finally, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The meatloaf will keep for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Expert Tips

Make sure to handle the meat mixture gently and avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't open the oven door too often, as this can cause the meatloaf to cook unevenly and lose its moisture.
Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to retain its moisture.
Experiment with different toppings and ingredients to find your favorite flavor combinations.
Consider making a double batch of the meatloaf and freezing it for later use. This can be a great way to meal prep and have a delicious, comforting dish on hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
Not using a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Opening the oven door too often, which can cause the meatloaf to cook unevenly and lose its moisture.
Not letting the meatloaf rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing, which can cause the juices to run out and the meatloaf to dry out.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the meatloaf.
Not following the recipe instructions carefully, which can lead to mistakes and a disappointing final product.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or American, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some chopped bacon or diced ham to the meat mixture for extra smokiness and savory flavor.
Use a different type of breadcrumbs, such as Panko or gluten-free, for a lighter texture and flavor.
Add some diced onions or chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the meat mixture for extra flavor and freshness.
Use a different type of sauce, such as barbecue or teriyaki, for a unique flavor profile.

What to Serve With Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is perfect for serving with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or a side of fries for a more comforting meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Sliced and served on a bun, like a giant cheeseburger.

Chopped and added to a salad, such as a wedge salad or a chef's salad.

Served with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

Paired with a side of mashed sweet potatoes or roasted root vegetables.

Mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesGreen saladCrusty breadFriesRoasted sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated in the oven or microwave.

To freeze the meatloaf, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Some tips for reheating the meatloaf include:

Reheating it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's heated through.

Reheating it in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes, or until it's heated through.

Letting it rest for a few minutes before slicing, to allow the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to retain its moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?

You can use any type of ground beef that you like, but it's best to choose a leaner cut, such as 80% lean or higher. This will help to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful without making it too greasy.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or American, for a unique flavor profile. Just be sure to choose a high-quality cheese that melts well and has a rich flavor.

How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked?

You can check the internal temperature of the meatloaf by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for medium-rare and 170°F (77°C) for medium.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply cook the meatloaf according to the recipe instructions, then let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat the meatloaf?

You can reheat the meatloaf in the oven or microwave. To reheat it in the oven, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's heated through. To reheat it in the microwave, simply heat it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it's heated through.

Can I customize this recipe?

Yes, you can customize this recipe to your liking by adding different ingredients or using different types of cheese or sauce. Just be sure to choose ingredients that complement the flavors of the meatloaf and don't overpower the other ingredients.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group of people. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a larger loaf pan if necessary.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply cook the meatloaf on low for about 6-8 hours, or until it's cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

The Full Recipe

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