Are you a fan of classic comfort food with a smoky, savory twist? Then you're in for a treat with this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe! This mouthwatering dish combines the best of two all-time favorites—juicy bacon cheeseburgers and hearty meatloaf—into one spectacular meal. Packed with the rich flavors of ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce, this meatloaf will quickly become a family favorite. Ready to get started? Follow this recipe to make the perfect BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, and don't forget to check out our tips and variations to customize it to your liking!
What is BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf?
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf. This recipe combines the elements of a cheeseburger—beef, cheese, and bacon—along with the smoky, sweet flavors of BBQ sauce. It's a fantastic fusion of comfort food that is perfect for family dinners, weekend get-togethers, or even meal prep for the week ahead. The flavors of juicy ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and BBQ sauce blend together to create a comforting yet elevated dish.
Ingredients List for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
To make this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, you'll need the following ingredients:
Meatloaf Base:
- 2 pounds of ground beef (80% lean for juicier meatloaf)
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of ketchup
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
Cheeseburger Ingredients:
- 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped (you can cook the bacon ahead of time or while preparing the meatloaf)
BBQ Topping:
- ½ cup of BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or make your own)
- ¼ cup of mustard (optional but recommended for added tanginess)
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (for extra sweetness)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:
- Meat Variations:
- Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken to create a lighter version of the meatloaf.
- For extra juiciness and flavor, mix ground beef with ground pork or ground veal.
- Cheese Choices:
- While cheddar cheese works perfectly, you can use other cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or even Swiss for different flavor profiles.
- Breadcrumbs:
- Substitute regular breadcrumbs with panko for a crunchier texture.
- For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meatloaf mixture for a nutritional boost.
- Sneak in some shredded zucchini or carrots to add moisture and extra veggies.
- BBQ Sauce Alternatives:
- If you're looking for a different flavor, experiment with a homemade BBQ sauce or a honey mustard glaze.
- Spice it Up:
- Add a little kick by incorporating jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce into the mix.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf from scratch:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a standard loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
Step 3: Add Bacon and Cheese
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cooked bacon into the meat mixture.
- Make sure the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan or onto the baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf form if not using a pan.
Step 5: Add BBQ Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60–75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- About 10 minutes before it's finished baking, sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top to get a gooey cheese layer.
Step 7: Let it Rest
- Once the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This step helps the meatloaf hold together when sliced.
How to Cook BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is straightforward, but it's important to follow a few key steps for the best results. The combination of flavors from the smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and sweet BBQ sauce is worth every minute of preparation. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly:
- Mixing the Ingredients: Be gentle when mixing the ground beef with other ingredients. Overmixing can cause the meatloaf to become tough. Use your hands or a large spoon to fold everything together until just combined.
- Topping: The BBQ sauce and mustard topping not only add a sweet and tangy flavor but also create a beautiful glaze on top of the meatloaf. If you like more sauce, feel free to brush extra BBQ sauce on halfway through cooking.
- Cooking Time: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee the meatloaf is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of:
- Overmixing the Meat: This can make your meatloaf tough. Only mix until the ingredients are combined.
- Skipping the Resting Period: If you slice into the meatloaf immediately after it comes out of the oven, it can fall apart. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Not Using Enough Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. The seasonings are essential to bring out the flavors of the meat, bacon, and cheese.
Serving and Presentation Tips
While this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is delicious on its own, how you serve and present it can elevate your dining experience. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Sides: Serve the meatloaf with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad.
- Burger-Style: Turn this dish into a full cheeseburger meal by serving slices of the meatloaf on hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
- Gravy or Extra Sauce: Serve with a side of gravy or extra BBQ sauce for drizzling.
Presentation Ideas for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Layered Look: For a fun presentation, sprinkle extra bacon and cheese on top of the meatloaf just before serving.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve in Slices: Present the meatloaf in thick slices, showing off the melted cheese and bits of bacon in each slice.
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Tips
- For a Crispier Texture: If you prefer a crispier exterior, shape the meatloaf on a baking sheet rather than using a loaf pan. This will give the edges more exposure to heat.
- Cheese Fillings: Instead of mixing the cheese into the meatloaf, try stuffing the center of the loaf with cheese for a cheesy surprise when sliced.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf?
A: Yes! You can freeze the meatloaf before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What cheese works best for this recipe?
A: Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a more intense flavor.
Q: How long does leftover meatloaf last?
A: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the hearty satisfaction of meatloaf. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will hit the spot. The combination of ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. Give it a try, and don’t forget to get creative with your own variations!
PrintBbq Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
Enjoy a flavorful twist on classic meatloaf with this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe, combining juicy beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for family dinners!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- BBQ sauce
- Bread crumbs
- Egg
- Onion
- Garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, diced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Brush the top with BBQ sauce.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until fully cooked.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add more BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer taste.
- Can be made with ground turkey or a mix of meats if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
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