Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 2 lb (900 g) ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup barbecue sauce, divided
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6–8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
2. Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to a large bowl.
3. Pour in ¼ cup barbecue sauce and gently mix until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Fold in ½ cup cheddar cheese and half of the crispy bacon.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into an even loaf.
6. Combine the remaining barbecue sauce with the brown sugar, if using. Brush half of the glaze over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the meatloaf.
9. Top with the remaining crispy bacon and drizzle with the remaining barbecue glaze.
10. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
11. For a more caramelized topping, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
12. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for a moist and juicy meatloaf. Cook the bacon until crisp before adding it so it keeps a good texture.

For more cheeseburger flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or a few tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickles.

Avoid packing the meat mixture too tightly into the pan, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual slices in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven.

For longer storage, freeze cooked slices for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice individually before freezing for easy reheating.