Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

If you love juicy cheeseburgers and hearty meatloaf, this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe combines the best of both worlds. It’s packed with ground beef, melty cheese, smoky bacon, and classic burger flavors. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, this dish is comfort food at its finest.

Why You’ll Love Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Unlike traditional meatloaf, this version has all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger baked into one savory loaf. Crispy bacon is wrapped around tender ground beef, stuffed with cheddar cheese, onions, and seasonings. It’s topped with a tangy ketchup glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced onion
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons ketchup (plus more for topping)
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8–10 slices of bacon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven – Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Meatloaf – In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, onion, eggs, milk, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
Shape and Wrap – Transfer mixture onto the pan and shape into a loaf. Lay bacon slices over the top, tucking the ends underneath to secure.
Add the Glaze – Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the bacon for a glossy, tangy finish.
Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Slice – Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Tips and Variations

Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavor twists.
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
BBQ Twist: Swap ketchup for barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet glaze.
Mini Loaves: Shape into smaller loaves or muffin tins for faster cooking and individual servings.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat well and make excellent sandwiches.