Sizzling Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe: Comfort Food Magic

My culinary experiments with bacon cheeseburger meatloaf have transformed ordinary dinner nights into something spectacular.

Juicy ground beef combines perfectly with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese.

Comfort food reaches new heights when classic burger flavors merge into a hearty meatloaf.

Weeknight dinners demand exciting twists that surprise and delight hungry families.

Each slice promises a mouthwatering journey through familiar yet innovative tastes.

Unexpected ingredients guarantee a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to experience a crowd-pleasing dish that elevates traditional meatloaf beyond imagination.

Pairing Ideas for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Elevate with Bold Red Wine: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec perfectly complement the rich, meaty flavors of this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, cutting through its intense richness with tannic boldness.
• Match with Crisp Salad Sidekick: Create a light, refreshing green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the heavy, savory meatloaf and provide a zesty contrast to its dense texture.
• Pair with Tangy Pickle Sides: Serve dill pickles or quick pickled vegetables alongside the meatloaf to add bright, acidic notes that cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.

How to Store Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container, ensuring it's sealed completely to prevent moisture loss. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Slice the meatloaf, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Place a single slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.

FAQs on Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and mixed thoroughly to maintain moisture and flavor.

• How do I know if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160F (71C) to ensure it’s safely cooked through and all harmful bacteria are eliminated.

• Is it necessary to line the pan with bacon?

The bacon lining helps prevent sticking and adds extra flavor. If you want to skip bacon, use parchment paper or grease the pan well to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.

What Makes Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Delicious

• Savor Family-Friendly Comfort: This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf transforms a classic dinner into an exciting twist that kids and adults will absolutely love, making mealtime a delightful experience for everyone.
• Maximize Flavor Explosion: Combining bacon, cheese, and ground meat creates an incredible taste profile that elevates traditional meatloaf from boring to mouthwatering, ensuring every bite is packed with rich, satisfying flavors.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this recipe in advance, store leftovers easily, and enjoy versatile serving options like sandwiches or standalone meals, making it perfect for busy households seeking convenient and delicious dinner solutions.
• Simple Cooking Technique: With straightforward ingredients and basic mixing steps, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels to create a restaurant-worthy dish without complex cooking methods or specialized kitchen equipment.

Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Serves as the primary base for the hearty meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra richness and flavor to the meat mixture.

• Bacon, Cheddar Cheese: Provides a classic cheeseburger taste and crispy texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Delivers savory depth and aromatic notes to the meatloaf.

• Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meat mixture and maintain moisture.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce: Seasons and adds complexity to the overall flavor profile.

How to Bake Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by setting the temperature to 350F (175C). This will ensure a perfect cooking environment for your delicious meatloaf.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Fusion

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except bacon. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to blend everything thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed for maximum taste.

Step 3: Prepare The Bacon Base

Line two loaf pans with bacon slices, creating a delectable crispy foundation that will infuse incredible flavor into your meatloaf.

Step 4: Shape The Meaty Masterpiece

Carefully distribute the meat mixture between the two loaf pans. Press down gently to create uniform loaves, making sure the mixture is compact and smooth.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 90 minutes. The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), ensuring it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Rest And Release

Once cooked, immediately transfer the meatloaves from the pans to a cutting board. This prevents continued cooking and helps maintain moisture.

Step 7: Let It Settle

Allow the meatloaves to rest for a few minutes. This short waiting period helps the juices redistribute, making each slice more flavorful and tender.

Step 8: Slice And Serve

Cut the meatloaf into hearty slices and serve hot. Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches the next day, so don’t worry about making too much!

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Meatloaf

• Drape bacon slices carefully to create a crispy, flavorful outer layer that prevents dryness and adds delicious texture.
• Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 ratio for optimal moisture and rich taste without excessive greasiness.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking and prevent overcooking, which can make the meatloaf tough.
• Cool meatloaf for 5-10 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape and keep juices sealed inside.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers and transform them into delicious cold sandwiches or reheat gently to maintain tenderness.

Variations for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Southwestern Spice Blast: Swap regular ground beef with ground turkey, add diced green chiles, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Use ground lamb instead of beef, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, mix in chopped fresh oregano and rosemary, and top with sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky BBQ Ranch Remix: Mix in barbecue sauce and ranch seasoning, use smoked cheddar cheese, and add crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch and smoky flavor complexity.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 105 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables with its irresistible blend of ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. Savory layers promise a satisfying meal that delights you with each rich, flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) 85% lean 15% fat ground beef
• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) country-style sausage
• Bacon slices (enough to line 2 loaf pans)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (226 grams) diced cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) diced onion
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) ketchup
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 grams) Mortons natures seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt

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Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack to center position and heat to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking environment.
2. Combine ground meat with all other ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blending until uniform consistency is achieved.
3. Strategically drape bacon strips along the interior walls of two loaf pans, creating a flavorful and textural base.
4. Carefully distribute meat mixture into bacon-lined pans, gently compressing to form compact, even loaves.
5. Position pans in preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes, monitoring until internal temperature precisely reaches 160F (71C) for food safety.
6. Once cooked, immediately extract meatloaves from oven and carefully transfer to a clean cutting board to prevent continued cooking.
7. Allow meatloaves to rest for 3-5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring moist, tender texture when sliced.
8. Slice into generous portions and serve hot, with potential for delectable sandwich preparations using any remaining portions the following day.

Notes

• Crisp bacon by placing it on the sides and bottom of the pan for extra flavor and texture that infuses directly into the meatloaf.
• Lean ground beef can be substituted with turkey or chicken for a lighter version, ensuring you maintain the same moisture by adding an extra egg or breadcrumbs.
• Prevent dryness by checking internal temperature precisely with a meat thermometer and letting the meatloaf rest after cooking to redistribute juices throughout the meat.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking ingredient labels for any hidden gluten sources in condiments or cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg