Bring all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger to your dinner table in this hearty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf. A savory blend of ground beef and pork is combined with tender breadcrumbs, flavorful seasonings, smoky bacon, and melted cheese for a juicy, satisfying meal. Finished with a sweet and tangy glaze, every slice delivers the comforting flavors of a homemade cheeseburger.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
Ground beef
Ground pork
Breadcrumbs
Milk
Onion
Garlic
Worcestershire sauce
Ketchup
Mustard
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Shredded cheese
For the Topping:
Bacon
Ketchup or your favorite barbecue sauce
How to Make
Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Soften the Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs in a small bowl and pour in the milk. Let them soak for a few minutes so they soften and help keep the finished meatloaf tender and moist.
Combine the Meat and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork with the onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add Breadcrumbs and Cheese: Gently fold the soaked breadcrumbs into the meat mixture. Add the shredded cheese and mix just until combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a rustic loaf, leaving some natural peaks and valleys on the surface to encourage browning.
Add the Glaze: Spread a layer of ketchup or barbecue sauce over the top. This creates a flavorful coating that becomes beautifully caramelized as the meatloaf bakes.
Bake Until Cooked Through: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Rest Before Slicing: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.
Important Recipe Tips
Keep It Moist: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to the meat mixture helps create a tender, juicy texture.
Experiment with Cheese: Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and smoked gouda are delicious alternatives that give the meatloaf a different flavor.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Try a Low-Carb Version: Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a lower-carbohydrate alternative.
Add More Vegetables: Finely diced bell peppers or grated zucchini can be mixed into the meat mixture for extra vegetables and moisture.
Serving Suggestions: Pair warm slices with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Leftovers also make excellent sandwiches with extra cheese and lettuce on toasted bread. You can cut the meatloaf into smaller squares for an easy packed lunch.
Store Leftovers Safely: Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. It will keep for 3–4 days.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices or the whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat Without Drying: Warm refrigerated slices in the microwave at 50% power for 1–2 minutes, or heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make Meal Prep Easier: Slice the meatloaf into individual portions before storing so you can quickly reheat servings for lunches or dinners.
Final Thought
This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is a delicious way to turn familiar burger flavors into a comforting homemade dinner. With its juicy meat, melted cheese, smoky bacon, and caramelized topping, it's a satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy. Serve it with your favorite sides and save a few slices for tomorrow's sandwiches!
