Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
If you love the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger but want the cozy, family-style comfort of meatloaf, this recipe is for you. Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines the best of both worlds: tender ground beef, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy ketchup-mustard glaze. Topped with crispy French fried onions, it’s a hearty dish that delivers all the indulgence of a diner-style burger in the form of a satisfying baked loaf.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving something a little nostalgic. Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please, this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this flavorful meatloaf to life:
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 10 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 (8 oz) package sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 (3 oz) can French fried onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once your loaf is prepared.
Step 2: Mix the base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chuck, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with clean hands or a fork until evenly blended. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is to keep the meatloaf tender.
Step 3: Prepare the glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and mustard until smooth. Stir about 1/4 cup of this mixture into the meat mixture, reserving the rest for the topping.
Step 4: Shape the loaf
Press the meat mixture into a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan, or shape it into a free-form loaf and place it on a rack inside a broiler pan. This allows the fat to drain and ensures even cooking.
Step 5: Glaze and bake
Spread the reserved ketchup-mustard mixture evenly over the top of the loaf. Bake for 40 minutes.
Step 6: Add the finishing touch
Remove the loaf from the oven and top with French fried onions. Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink in the center and the onions are golden and crisp.
Step 7: Rest and serve
Let the bacon cheeseburger meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist, flavorful bite.
About the Recipe
A creative comfort food mashup
Meatloaf has been a staple of American family dinners for generations, and cheeseburgers are just as iconic. Combining them into a single dish is a genius way to enjoy the best of both. The bacon adds a smoky richness, the cheddar melts into gooey pockets of flavor, and the French fried onions give the whole dish a satisfying crunch.
Tips for success
- Cook the bacon until crisp before mixing—it ensures the best flavor and prevents sogginess.
- Shred your own cheese if possible; it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Don’t skip the resting step—cutting too soon can cause the loaf to crumble.
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped pickles to the meat mixture for an even more “burger-like” experience.
Serving suggestions
Pair your bacon cheeseburger meatloaf with classic burger sides like French fries, potato wedges, or coleslaw. For a balanced meal, roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad make excellent accompaniments.
Nutrition insights
This recipe is indulgent, thanks to the bacon and cheese, but it also provides plenty of protein and calcium. To lighten it up, try leaner beef, turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, or swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Conclusion
When you can’t decide between a cheeseburger and a meatloaf, this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf gives you both in one incredible dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table. With its gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and crunchy onion topping, this recipe will quickly become a comfort food favorite.
Give it a try the next time you’re craving something classic yet a little unexpected—and don’t forget to share your creation with the people you love. Comfort food this good is meant to be enjoyed together.
