Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf: Prepare to have your weeknight dinner routine revolutionized! Imagine the juicy, savory goodness of a bacon cheeseburger, but in the form of a comforting, easy-to-slice meatloaf. This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf recipe; it’s a modern twist on a classic, packed with all the flavors you crave.

Meatloaf itself has a fascinating history, evolving from humble beginnings as a way to use leftover scraps into a beloved comfort food across cultures. While the exact origins are debated, variations of meatloaf have been enjoyed for centuries. Our bacon cheeseburger meatloaf takes this tradition and injects it with a playful, all-American spirit.

Why do people adore this dish? It’s simple: it’s the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. The familiar flavors of ground beef, bacon, cheese, and your favorite burger toppings come together in a single, satisfying loaf. The texture is wonderfully moist and tender, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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 (provides a light and airy texture)
• 1/2 cup milk (helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (another binding agent)
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion (adds flavor and texture)
• 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper (adds a subtle sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (essential for savory flavor)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and depth)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a tangy kick)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (enhances the bacon flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (boosts the garlic flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (enhances the onion flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (the star of the show!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that cheesy goodness)
• For the “Burger” Topping:
• 1/2 cup ketchup (the base for our burger sauce)
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (adds tang and classic burger flavor)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (balances the acidity of the ketchup and mustard)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (more umami!)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (enhances the smoky flavor)
• 1/4 cup finely diced dill pickles (adds a briny crunch)
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (because you can never have too much bacon)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for melting on top)

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture:

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. This ensures that the wet ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the meat.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the panko breadcrumbs, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix well to combine. This step helps to evenly distribute the spices and breadcrumbs throughout the mixture.
3. Incorporate the Ground Meats: Gently add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Use your hands to mix 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 dense and less tender final product.
4. Fold in the Bacon and Cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Again, be careful not to overmix. You want the bacon and cheese to be evenly distributed throughout the meatloaf, but you don’t want to work the meat too much.

Shaping and Baking the Meatloaf:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal of the meatloaf after baking.
2. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Gently press the mixture into the pan, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth the top of the meatloaf.
3. Bake the Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf, avoiding contact with the bottom of the pan.
4. Rest the Meatloaf: Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, resulting in a more moist and flavorful final product.

Preparing the “Burger” Topping:

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the “burger” topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. This creates a tangy, sweet, and smoky sauce that perfectly complements the bacon and cheese in the meatloaf.
2. Add the Pickles and Bacon: Stir in the finely diced dill pickles and crumbled cooked bacon. The pickles add a briny crunch, while the bacon adds even more smoky flavor.

Adding the Topping and Final Baking:

1. Top the Meatloaf: After the meatloaf has rested for 10-15 minutes, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan. Spread the “burger” topping evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the “burger” topping. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed so that every slice of meatloaf gets a cheesy topping.
3. Broil (Optional): Place the meatloaf back in the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Broiling adds a nice golden-brown color to the cheese and enhances its flavor. If you don’t want to broil, you can simply bake the meatloaf for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
4. Rest Again: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for another 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from running all over the plate.

Serving Suggestions:

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing with meatloaf.
• Roasted Vegetables: Such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
• Mac and Cheese: For an extra cheesy and comforting meal.
• Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the meatloaf.
• French Fries: Because what’s a cheeseburger without fries?

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

Enjoy! This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just meatloaf; it’s a bacon cheeseburger meatloaf experience! If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and exciting, a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, then you absolutely must try this recipe. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and that tangy ketchup glaze creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup, taking the best parts of a bacon cheeseburger and transforming them into a hearty, satisfying meal.

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – pepper jack for a spicy kick, Gruyere for a sophisticated touch, or even a blend of your favorites. You could also add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and texture. For a truly decadent experience, try stuffing the meatloaf with a layer of caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms before baking.

Serving suggestions are endless! A classic pairing is mashed potatoes and a side of steamed green beans. But don’t be afraid to get creative. This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is also fantastic served with roasted sweet potatoes, a crisp green salad, or even nestled in a toasted bun for a meatloaf sandwich. For a lighter option, try serving it with a side of coleslaw or a simple tomato salad. And if you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they make amazing meatloaf sliders or can be crumbled into a hearty chili.

I know you might be thinking, “Meatloaf? Really?” But trust me on this one. This isn’t your grandma’s dry, bland meatloaf. This is a juicy, flavorful, and utterly addictive dish that will change your perception of meatloaf forever. The bacon adds a smoky depth, the cheese provides a creamy richness, and the ketchup glaze adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I’m confident that you’ll love this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed winner!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and most importantly, enjoy every single bite! I’m sure this will be a recipe you will be making for years to come.