Craving the satisfying flavors of a bacon cheeseburger but want a comforting, fork-friendly dinner? Look no further! This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe takes all the classic tastes you love and transforms them into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Forget boring dinners – this meatloaf is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at your table, from picky eaters to food enthusiasts.
Delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf ready to serve
This isn’t your average meatloaf. We’re talking juicy lean ground beef, crispy bacon, savory fried onions, and melty cheddar cheese, all baked together into a flavor explosion. Imagine sinking your fork into tender meatloaf bursting with cheeseburger goodness, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is comfort food elevated.
Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a Dinner Winner
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and practical. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation:
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Who doesn’t love a bacon cheeseburger? By capturing those familiar and beloved flavors in a meatloaf, you’re creating a dish that appeals to all ages and tastes.
- Perfect for Company: Impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. This meatloaf is impressive enough for company yet easy enough for a weeknight meal. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner party menu. Consider serving it alongside Cheesy Bacon Scalloped Potatoes and Cheddar Biscuits for an unforgettable homestyle feast.
- Meal Prep Champion: Meatloaf is a fantastic make-ahead dish. It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or planning for busy weeknights. Leftover meatloaf transforms beautifully into sandwiches, adding delicious variety to your weekly meals.
- Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for your own culinary creativity. Easily adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs with simple substitutions and additions.
Key Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
To make this mouthwatering Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, you’ll need these key ingredients:
- Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef (or ground chuck) is crucial to prevent excess grease and ensure the meatloaf holds its shape.
- Dill Pickle Relish: The tangy dill pickle relish is a signature cheeseburger flavor that adds a delightful zest to the meatloaf mixture. You can also finely chop dill pickles if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Fried onions provide a wonderful savory crunch and depth of flavor. If you don’t have fried onions, you can substitute onion powder, but the fried onions truly elevate the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic cheeseburger cheese, offering a bold and melty flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or provolone for a different twist.
- Bacon: Of course, it’s bacon cheeseburger meatloaf! Crispy bacon bits mixed into the loaf and bacon slices on top deliver that irresistible smoky bacon flavor.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs help bind the meatloaf and create a tender texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Smoke Flavor: These umami-rich ingredients add depth and complexity to the meatloaf, mimicking the savory notes of a grilled burger.
- Ketchup & Maple Syrup Glaze: A simple glaze made with ketchup and maple syrup (or brown sugar) provides a sweet and tangy finish that complements the savory meatloaf perfectly. A touch of sriracha adds a subtle kick, if desired.
Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Recipe Variations and Tips for Success
Want to personalize your Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf? Here are some easy variations and helpful tips:
- Cheese Swaps: Get creative with your cheese! Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, pepper jack for spice, Swiss for nuttiness, mozzarella for a classic melt, or provolone for a creamy texture – the possibilities are endless.
- Meat Alternatives: While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Keep in mind that ground turkey might result in a slightly looser meatloaf.
- Glaze Variations: Experiment with your glaze! Try adding a touch of Dijon mustard for tanginess, BBQ sauce for smokiness, or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meatloaf ingredients, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf. Use a large bowl to comfortably combine all ingredients without squashing the meat.
- Go Lean: Using lean ground beef is recommended to prevent excess grease, especially since we’re adding cheese and bacon.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your meatloaf is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). This eliminates guesswork, regardless of the pan size or loaf shape.
- Let it Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients:
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf:
- 1/2 cup dill pickle relish, drained
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions (or 2 tablespoons onion flakes or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoke flavor
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, small diced
- 16 slices bacon, uncooked, divided
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish or large loaf pan
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Ingredients: Drain excess liquid from the dill pickle relish.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine dill pickle relish, ground beef, fried onions, eggs, panko bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoke flavor. Mix lightly.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Use scissors to snip 6 slices of bacon into small pieces. Gently mix the bacon pieces and diced cheddar cheese into the meatloaf mixture.
- Form Loaf and Top with Bacon: Gently form the mixture into a loaf shape. Place the loaf in a 9×13 inch baking dish or loaf pan. Line with aluminum foil for easier cleanup if desired. Top the meatloaf with the remaining 10 bacon slices.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf reads 160°F (71°C).
- Prepare Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together ketchup, maple syrup (or brown sugar), and sriracha (if using) in a small bowl.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: Brush the glaze evenly over the meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is set and slightly caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Notes:
- For a sweeter glaze, use maple syrup. Brown sugar provides a richer, molasses-like sweetness.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to your spice preference, or omit it for a milder glaze.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 530kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 128mg
- Sodium: 926mg
Enjoy your delicious and easy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf! It’s a guaranteed family favorite that brings the fun flavors of a cheeseburger to your dinner table in a comforting and satisfying way.
