Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe with Cheddar

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and classic cheeseburger seasonings in one delicious oven-baked dinner. This easy homemade meatloaf brings together everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger without needing burger buns.

The tender ground beef is mixed with onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, and flavorful seasonings before being shaped into a hearty loaf. It is then topped with melted cheddar cheese and golden, crispy bacon for an irresistible finish.

Perfect for family dinners, weekend meals, gatherings, and meal preparation, this cheesy bacon meatloaf recipe is simple to prepare using everyday ingredients. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a satisfying homemade dinner.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55–65 minutes

Resting Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25–35 minutes

Servings: 8

Cuisine: American

Cooking Method: Oven-Baked

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 2 pounds ground beef (85–90% lean)

• 2 large eggs

• ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs

• ½ cup whole milk

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Cheeseburger Topping

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

A larger baking dish allows the meatloaf to cook evenly while leaving enough room for the juices to collect around the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook until crispy and golden brown, turning occasionally.

Transfer the cooked bacon onto paper towels to remove excess grease.

Once slightly cooled, chop it into small pieces and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for 2–3 minutes.

Add the eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined.

Add the ground beef and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently combine everything until just mixed.

Avoid overmixing because this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Shape it into an evenly sized rectangular loaf, approximately 9 inches long and 4–5 inches wide.

Gently press the mixture together so it holds its shape without becoming overly compact.

Smooth the top and sides for even cooking.

Leave some space between the meatloaf and the baking dish walls to allow heat to circulate.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheeseburger Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, yellow mustard, and optional barbecue sauce.

Stir until smooth.

Spread a thin layer of this mixture over the top of the meatloaf.

This simple glaze gives the meatloaf a delicious cheeseburger-inspired flavor and helps create a slightly caramelized surface.

Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for approximately 45–50 minutes.

The outside should begin to brown while the inside becomes firm and juicy.

Because oven temperatures and meatloaf thickness can vary, cooking times are approximate.

Step 7: Add Cheddar Cheese and Bacon

Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.

Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Add the chopped crispy bacon, distributing it across the melted-cheese layer.

Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the center of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).

For a slightly golden cheese topping, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning the bacon.

Step 8: Rest the Meatloaf

Remove the finished bacon cheeseburger meatloaf from the oven.

Allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing.

Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping each slice moist and flavorful.

It also allows the melted cheddar cheese to settle slightly, making the meatloaf easier to cut.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, slice the meatloaf into thick, even portions.

Serve each slice with plenty of melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon topping.

Spoon a little of the flavorful pan juices over each serving if desired.

Enjoy warm with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

1. Choose the Right Ground Beef

For juicy and flavorful meatloaf, use ground beef containing approximately 10–15% fat.

Extremely lean ground beef can produce a drier texture, while beef with too much fat may release excessive grease.

Ground chuck is a popular choice because it offers a good balance of flavor and moisture.

2. Avoid Overmixing

One of the most important secrets to tender homemade meatloaf is avoiding excessive mixing.

Combine the ingredients just until evenly distributed.

Overworking the ground beef can make the finished meatloaf firm and dense instead of soft and juicy.

3. Use Freshly Shredded Cheddar

Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a rich cheeseburger flavor.

Pre-shredded cheese can also work, but its anti-caking ingredients may affect how smoothly it melts.

For extra flavor, combine sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

4. Cook the Bacon Before Adding It

Always cook the bacon before placing it on top of the meatloaf.

Precooked bacon develops a crispy texture and prevents excessive bacon grease from soaking into the cheese topping.

Adding it near the end of baking also helps maintain its crunch.

5. Keep the Meatloaf Moist

The combination of milk, breadcrumbs, eggs, and cheese helps create a tender meatloaf.

Do not skip the milk-soaked breadcrumbs because they help retain moisture during baking.

Avoid cooking the meatloaf longer than necessary. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

6. Add Extra Cheeseburger Flavor

For a stronger cheeseburger taste, try adding finely chopped dill pickles or a tablespoon of pickle relish.

A small amount of extra mustard can also enhance the savory flavor.

For a smoky variation, use smoked cheddar cheese or add a little extra smoked paprika.

7. Make It Spicy

If you enjoy spicy food, add finely chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.

Pepper Jack cheese can replace part of the cheddar for a delicious spicy cheeseburger variation.

8. Make a Low-Carb Version

For a lower-carbohydrate bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, replace the regular breadcrumbs with finely crushed pork rinds or another suitable low-carb binder.

Use sugar-free ketchup and check your barbecue sauce for added sugar.

The result is a satisfying, protein-rich meatloaf with fewer carbohydrates.

9. Best Side Dishes

This cheesy bacon meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic comfort-food sides.

Some delicious serving ideas include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, garlic green beans, buttered corn, cauliflower mash, and fresh garden salad.

For a complete cheeseburger-inspired dinner, serve it with oven-baked potato wedges and dill pickles.

10. Estimated Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings:

• Calories: 570–650 kcal

• Protein: 39–45 g

• Carbohydrates: 12–16 g

• Fat: 39–47 g

• Fiber: Approximately 1 g

• Sugar: 4–6 g

Nutritional values are estimates and vary depending on the beef, cheese, bacon, and other ingredients used.

Storage

Refrigerator Storage

Allow the bacon cheeseburger meatloaf to cool slightly after cooking.

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours.

Store in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, slice the cooled meatloaf into individual portions.

Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or freezer-safe material and place it inside an airtight freezer container.

Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, place meatloaf slices in an oven-safe baking dish.

Cover loosely with aluminum foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).

You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.

Add a small splash of beef broth before reheating to help maintain moisture.

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