If you love the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger, this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf takes it to the next level. Packed with juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, this meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Families looking for a filling, crowd-pleasing meal.
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Bacon and cheese lovers who want a unique twist on traditional meatloaf.
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Home cooks searching for a make-ahead dinner option that reheats beautifully.
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Anyone craving a comforting, homestyle dish with bold flavors.
Why it’s Great
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Burger-Inspired Flavors: Combines all the elements of a cheeseburger—beef, cheese, bacon, ketchup, and mustard—into one delicious loaf.
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Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and steps make it beginner-friendly.
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Family Favorite: Kid-approved and hearty enough for adults too.
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Versatile: Can be customized with different cheeses, sauces, or seasonings.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
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1 ½ lbs Ground Beef
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8 slices Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
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1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
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½ cup Bread Crumbs
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¼ cup Ketchup
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¼ cup Mustard
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2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
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1 Onion, finely chopped
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2 Garlic Cloves, minced
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2 Eggs, beaten
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Salt and Pepper, to taste
Topping
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½ cup Ketchup
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1 tbsp Mustard
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2 tbsp Brown Sugar
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
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Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked bacon, shredded cheese, bread crumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
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Shape Meatloaf: Transfer mixture into the loaf pan, pressing gently to form a loaf shape.
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Make Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar until smooth.
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Add Glaze: Spread topping mixture over the meatloaf.
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Bake: Place in oven and bake for 60–75 minutes, until fully cooked and golden brown on top.
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Rest & Serve: Let meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Mixing bowls
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Skillet (for cooking bacon)
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Cutting board & knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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9×5-inch loaf pan
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Oven
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Wrap slices individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for best texture, or microwave for a quick option.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this meatloaf without bacon?
A: Yes, though the bacon adds great flavor. You can replace it with turkey bacon or leave it out for a lighter version.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Sharp cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend also work well.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the meatloaf mixture, shape it in the pan, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a hearty twist on a classic comfort food. With smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a sweet-savory glaze, it’s everything you love about a cheeseburger in meatloaf form. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
