Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Prepare to have your weeknight dinner routine revolutionized! Imagine the comforting, familiar flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger, but transformed into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meatloaf. This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf recipe (unless your grandma was secretly a culinary genius with a penchant for all things bacon and cheese!).

Meatloaf itself has a fascinating history, evolving from humble beginnings as a way to use leftover scraps of meat into a beloved comfort food staple. While its exact origins are debated, variations of meatloaf have appeared in cookbooks for centuries, showcasing its enduring appeal across cultures. But the addition of bacon and cheeseburger elements? That’s a modern twist that elevates this classic to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What makes this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The savory, seasoned meatloaf base is studded with crispy bacon, adding a smoky depth that complements the rich, melted cheese. The tangy ketchup glaze provides a delightful sweetness that balances the savory elements. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can prep it ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a family favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatloaf:
• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 lb ground pork (adds moisture and richness)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs, finely crushed)
• 1/2 cup milk (any kind will do, but whole milk adds richness)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• For the Topping:
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and halved (for topping)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture:

1. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk, creating a softer and more tender meatloaf. This step is crucial for preventing a dry meatloaf.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: While the breadcrumbs are soaking, heat the reserved bacon grease (from cooking the bacon) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onion and garlic cool slightly. This step helps to mellow out the onion and garlic flavors and prevents them from overpowering the meatloaf.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In the large bowl with the breadcrumb mixture, add the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, cooled onion and garlic mixture, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently Mix: Using your hands (or a large spoon), gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, leading to a denser texture.
5. Incorporate the Bacon and Cheese: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture. Gently fold them in until evenly distributed. This is where the “bacon cheeseburger” flavor really comes to life!

Shaping and Baking the Meatloaf:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or a little bit of oil. You can also line the loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the meatloaf out of the pan after baking.
3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Gently press the mixture into the pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. You can shape the top of the meatloaf into a slight dome.
4. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meatloaf.
5. Prepare the Topping: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
6. Add the Topping: Once the meatloaf has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), remove it from the oven. Spread the ketchup mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Add Bacon and Cheese: Arrange the halved bacon slices on top of the ketchup mixture, and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon.
8. Return to Oven: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bacon is slightly crisp.

Resting and Serving:

1. Rest the Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, resulting in a more moist and flavorful final product.
2. Slice and Serve: Carefully lift the meatloaf out of the loaf pan (if you used parchment paper, this will be very easy). Slice the meatloaf into thick slices and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts)
• Mac and cheese
• Coleslaw
• Green beans
• A simple side salad

You can also serve the meatloaf on toasted buns with your favorite burger toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. This turns it into a fun and unique twist on a classic cheeseburger!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Meatloaf:

• Don’t Overmix: As mentioned earlier, overmixing the meatloaf mixture can result in a tough meatloaf. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your meatloaf is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
• Let it Rest: Resting the meatloaf after baking is crucial for retaining moisture and flavor.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend in this recipe. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella would all be delicious.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture or the topping.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to save time on a busy weeknight.
• Freeze for Later: Meatloaf freezes well. Bake it completely, let it cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also freeze uncooked meatloaf. Wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw completely before baking.

Enjoy your delicious and easy bacon cheeseburger meatloaf! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does.

Conclusion:

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf isn’t just another meatloaf recipe; it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Seriously, forget everything you thought you knew about meatloaf because this recipe takes it to a whole new level. The savory bacon, the melty cheese, and the juicy, perfectly seasoned meat combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for those who claim they don’t like meatloaf!

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s ridiculously easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and delivers a taste that’s far beyond its simplicity. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution when you’re short on time but still want to impress. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover bacon you might have (though, let’s be honest, leftover bacon is a rare occurrence in my house!).

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Comfort: Serve it with mashed potatoes and your favorite steamed vegetable for a truly comforting meal. A dollop of sour cream on the potatoes adds a nice touch!
* Burger Night Twist: Slice it up and serve it on toasted buns with your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. A smear of burger sauce or thousand island dressing takes it over the top.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat. You could also incorporate some diced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
* Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar is classic, but you could also try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of your favorites. Stuffing the meatloaf with a core of melted cheese is a decadent option.
* Bacon Bonanza: For the ultimate bacon experience, wrap the entire meatloaf in bacon before baking. It adds extra flavor and creates a beautiful crispy crust.
* Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

I truly believe this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf will become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s a fun, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a new and exciting way.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a meatloaf masterpiece! I’m confident you’ll love it as much as my family and I do.

And now for the fun part! I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience making this recipe. Did you try any of the variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy your delicious, bacon-y, cheesy meatloaf adventure!