BACON CHEESEBURGER MEATLOAF

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines everything you love about a classic bacon cheeseburger in one comforting homemade dinner. Juicy seasoned ground beef is stuffed with melted cheddar cheese, topped with crispy bacon, and finished with a tangy burger-style glaze.

If you love cheeseburgers, bacon, and classic meatloaf, this easy recipe brings all three together. It's hearty, flavorful, family-friendly, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why You'll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Classic cheeseburger flavor in a comforting meatloaf
  • Loaded with melted cheddar cheese
  • Finished with crispy bacon
  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
  • Perfect family dinner
  • Great for leftovers and sandwiches
  • Can be prepared ahead of time

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Cheese Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Bacon Topping

  • 8 slices bacon

For the Glaze

  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

Add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to a large bowl.

Gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Place about half of the meat mixture onto the prepared surface and shape it into a thick rectangle.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese down the center, leaving a border around the edges.

Cover completely with the remaining meat mixture and carefully seal the edges so the cheese stays inside during baking.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf approximately 9 inches long and 5 inches wide.

Make sure there are no large cracks or exposed cheese pockets along the sides.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir until smooth.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Reserve the remaining glaze for later.

Step 7: Add the Bacon

Arrange the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping them so the surface is covered.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for approximately 55–70 minutes, depending on the size and shape of the loaf.

For food safety, cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) as measured in the center with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 9: Add More Glaze

During the final 10–15 minutes of baking, brush the remaining glaze over the bacon and meatloaf.

Continue baking until the bacon is browned and the meatloaf is fully cooked.

Step 10: Rest Before Slicing

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for approximately 10–15 minutes before slicing.

This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the melted cheese inside the meatloaf.

Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Don't Overmix the Meat

Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking the ground beef can result in a tough meatloaf.

Use Sharp Cheddar

Sharp cheddar provides plenty of flavor and melts beautifully inside the meatloaf.

Seal the Cheese Completely

Make sure the meat mixture completely surrounds the cheese. Any exposed cheese can leak out during baking.

Use an Instant-Read Thermometer

The most reliable way to determine when meatloaf is finished is to check the internal temperature in the center.

Let It Rest

Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps prevent the juices and melted cheese from immediately running out.

What Cheese Is Best for Cheeseburger Meatloaf?

Sharp cheddar is an excellent choice, but you can easily change the cheese depending on your preference.

  • Cheddar cheese
  • American cheese
  • Monterey Jack
  • Colby Jack
  • Pepper Jack
  • Provolone
  • Swiss cheese

For a classic cheeseburger flavor, try combining cheddar with a little American cheese.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Variations

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Replace part of the ketchup glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet finish.

Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Add finely chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture and use Pepper Jack cheese for extra heat.

Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf

Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the center with Swiss cheese.

Western Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Add crispy fried onions and barbecue sauce for a delicious Western-style twist.

Pizza Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Use mozzarella cheese and add Italian seasoning, then finish with marinara sauce instead of the traditional burger glaze.

What to Serve With Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Crispy roasted potatoes
  • French fries
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Buttered green beans
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Coleslaw
  • Garden salad
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Garlic bread

How to Store Leftover Meatloaf

Allow the meatloaf to cool, then place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

For best results, slice the meatloaf before reheating so individual portions warm evenly.

How to Reheat Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Place slices in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil.

Heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave in short intervals. Adding a small amount of extra glaze helps keep the meat moist.

Can You Freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf?

Yes. This meatloaf freezes well.

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Freeze for up to approximately 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the meatloaf, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. For best results, bake within 24 hours.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted, although the flavor and texture will be slightly lighter than traditional beef meatloaf.

Why did the cheese leak out?

The cheese may have been too close to the edges or the meat wasn't sealed completely. Leave a generous border around the cheese and firmly seal the meat around it.

Why is my meatloaf falling apart?

It may not have enough binding ingredients, or it may have been sliced before resting. Make sure the eggs and breadcrumbs are measured correctly and allow the cooked meatloaf to rest before slicing.

Can I cook this in a loaf pan?

Yes. A loaf pan works well, although baking the meatloaf on a sheet pan can allow excess grease to drain away more easily.

Recipe Card

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55–70 minutes
Resting Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices bacon

Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
  3. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Shape half of the meat mixture into a rectangle.
  5. Place shredded cheddar in the center.
  6. Cover with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges completely.
  7. Shape into a loaf.
  8. Mix the glaze ingredients and spread half over the meatloaf.
  9. Arrange bacon slices over the top.
  10. Bake for 55–70 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Brush with the remaining glaze during the final 10–15 minutes.
  12. Rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf takes two classic comfort foods and turns them into one irresistible dinner. Juicy beef, gooey cheddar, smoky bacon, and a sweet-and-tangy glaze make every slice incredibly flavorful.

Serve it with mashed potatoes, fries, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete family meal. And don't forget to save the leftovers—they make amazing meatloaf sandwiches the next day.

Save this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe and make it for your next comfort-food dinner!

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