Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Prepare to have your weeknight dinner routine revolutionized! Forget everything you thought you knew about meatloaf because this isn’t your grandma’s recipe (unless your grandma was secretly a culinary genius with a penchant for all things bacon and cheese!). We’re taking the classic comfort of meatloaf and injecting it with the irresistible flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger.

Meatloaf itself has a fascinating history, evolving from humble beginnings as a way to use leftover scraps of meat into a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. Different cultures have their own variations, but the core concept remains the same: ground meat, binders, and seasonings baked to perfection. But why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary?

People adore bacon cheeseburgers for their perfect combination of savory, smoky, and cheesy goodness. This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf captures all those craveable elements in a single, satisfying dish. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, flavorful meatloaf studded with crispy bacon, oozing with melted cheese, and topped with your favorite burger fixings. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup! Plus, it’s incredibly convenient – a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• For the Meatloaf:
• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 lb ground pork (adds moisture and richness)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs, finely crushed)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (reserve some for topping)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserve some for topping)
• For the Topping:
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Remaining crumbled bacon
• Remaining shredded cheddar cheese

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil (or vegetable oil). Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Remove the skillet from the heat and let the vegetables cool slightly. This step is crucial because it mellows out the harshness of the raw onion and pepper, giving the meatloaf a much better flavor.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Make sure everything is well combined. This mixture will help bind the meatloaf together and add moisture.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients and Spices: To the wet ingredients, add the panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Stir well to combine. The breadcrumbs will absorb some of the moisture and help create a cohesive mixture.
4. Incorporate the Vegetables and Bacon: Add the slightly cooled sautéed vegetables and the crumbled cooked bacon to the bowl with the wet and dry ingredients. Mix well to distribute everything evenly. The bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor and texture to the meatloaf.
5. Gently Mix in the Meats: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Using your hands (or a large spoon), gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf. You want the ingredients to be evenly distributed, but the meat should still be tender.
6. Fold in the Cheese: Gently fold in about 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining cheese for the topping. The cheese will melt into the meatloaf during baking, adding a delicious cheesy flavor.

Forming and Baking the Meatloaf:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or a little bit of oil. This will prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the pan. You can also line the loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal after baking.
3. Shape the Meatloaf: Gently transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Use your hands to shape it into an even loaf, pressing down lightly to ensure it fills the pan.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This will create a sweet and tangy glaze for the meatloaf.
5. Apply the Topping: Spread the ketchup glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Add Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the ketchup glaze. This will create a delicious and visually appealing topping.
7. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meatloaf.
8. Rest the Meatloaf: Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Slicing: After resting, carefully slice the meatloaf into even slices using a sharp knife.
2. Sides: Serve the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a simple salad.
3. Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. You can add different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or carrots. For a spicier meatloaf, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Storage: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
5. Freezing: You can also freeze the meatloaf for longer storage. Wrap the cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion:

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf isn’t just another meatloaf recipe; it’s a flavor explosion that brings all the joy of a classic bacon cheeseburger right to your dinner table, without the bun! Trust me, you absolutely have to try this. It’s the perfect comfort food, elevated with that irresistible bacon cheeseburger twist. The juicy, savory meatloaf, the crispy bacon topping, and the gooey, melted cheese all combine to create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and delivers a huge payoff in terms of taste and satisfaction. Forget boring, bland meatloaf – this recipe is a game-changer. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters; finely grated zucchini or carrots blend seamlessly into the meat mixture, adding moisture and nutrients without altering the delicious flavor. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky Gouda would be fantastic. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or top with some pickled jalapeños before baking. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! Instead of just bacon, try adding some caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor. Serving Suggestions: This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is delicious served with a variety of sides. Classic mashed potatoes and gravy are always a winner, but you could also try roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatloaf. And for a truly indulgent experience, serve it with a side of crispy onion rings or homemade french fries. Variations to Explore: * Mini Meatloaf Muffins: For a fun and portable option, bake the meatloaf mixture in muffin tins. These are perfect for lunchboxes or appetizers. * Stuffed Meatloaf: Create a pocket in the center of the meatloaf and fill it with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as pickles, onions, and a special sauce. * Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef and use turkey bacon. * BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Mix in some BBQ sauce into the meat mixture and brush some on top before baking for a smoky, tangy flavor. I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Please, give this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your recipe collection. Once you’ve made it, come back and share your photos and comments. Let me know what variations you tried and how your family enjoyed it. Did you add any secret ingredients? Did you serve it with a particularly delicious side dish? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I value your feedback. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I’m sure this will be a new family favorite.

Print