There's nothing quite like the comfort of a classic meatloaf, but when you combine it with the indulgent flavors of a bacon cheeseburger, you get something truly extraordinary. This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a mouthwatering twist on tradition, featuring juicy beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all wrapped into one irresistible dish.
I first discovered this idea when I was craving both meatloaf and a cheeseburger but couldn’t choose between the two. The result is a family-friendly recipe that’s now a permanent fixture on our dinner table. Let’s dive into how you can make this show-stopping dish at home.
Why You'll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a recipe that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for a few key reasons.
First, it’s bursting with flavor. The combination of ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of tangy ketchup makes every bite reminiscent of your favorite burger.
It’s also a breeze to prepare. While it looks impressive, the recipe requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Not to mention, it’s versatile. You can dress it up for a dinner party or keep it casual for a weeknight family meal. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp side salad for a complete dinner experience.
Finally, leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious. Slice up the meatloaf for sandwiches or reheat it for a quick meal the next day.
Ingredients Notes

The secret to the perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully.
Ground Beef
The foundation of this meatloaf is ground beef. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner cuts can work but may result in a slightly drier meatloaf.
Bacon
Crispy, smoky bacon adds a burst of flavor and texture. Dice it finely and incorporate it into the mixture, then save a few slices to lay over the top for a striking presentation.
Cheddar Cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully within the meatloaf, creating pockets of gooey goodness. You can use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor or mild cheddar for a subtler taste.
Breadcrumbs and Egg
These ingredients help bind the meatloaf together. Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture or regular breadcrumbs for a denser loaf. The egg ensures the mixture holds its shape as it bakes.
Ketchup and Mustard
A hint of ketchup in the meat mixture, combined with a glaze on top, mimics the classic burger taste. A dash of yellow mustard or Dijon adds just the right amount of tang.
If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a handy tool to ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked.
How To Make This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Making this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure success.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove it from the pan and let it cool before chopping it into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
Transfer the mixture to a lined baking sheet or loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf. Spread a layer of ketchup over the top for a glossy, flavorful glaze. Lay a few slices of cooked bacon across the top for an extra wow factor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which isn’t guaranteed with a recipe this good!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh.
For short-term storage, place the cooled meatloaf in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
When reheating, use the oven for best results. Place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf lies in its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to customize the recipe:
- Protein Swap: Try mixing in ground pork or turkey with the beef for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even Swiss for a unique twist.
- Vegetables: Finely diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added to the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Experiment with these ideas to make this recipe your own, and don’t be afraid to get creative. No matter how you customize it, this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintBacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory ground beef, smoky bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and topped with a tangy glaze for a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, mustard, onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
- Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top for a tangy glaze.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add pickles or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a cheeseburger-inspired twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
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