Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

What if your favorite backyard cheeseburger could be transformed into a warm, sliceable dinner that’s perfect for the whole family? According to Google Trends, search interest in "cheeseburger recipes" spikes during colder months—proof that people crave comfort food with familiar flavors. Enter the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. By combining everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger—ground beef, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and tangy pickles—into one hearty loaf, this recipe offers a cozy, fork-and-knife twist on a fast-food favorite.

Ingredients List

• 2 lbs lean ground beef: A must for structure and juicy flavor
• 16 slices of bacon: Half mixed in for that smoky burst; the rest weaved on top for crispiness
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced: Adds melty goodness in every bite
• 1/2 cup dill pickle relish: Offers zing and crunch (or finely dice whole pickles)
• 1/4 cup crispy fried onions: Instant umami with a crunch; sub with onion powder if needed
• 2 large eggs: Binds everything together
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives structure while keeping it moist
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and savory notes
• 1 tsp liquid smoke: Optional but elevates that grilled burger flavor

For the Glaze

• 1/2 cup ketchup: Classic topping
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional): For a gentle kick

Substitution Ideas

• Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
• Use plant-based cheese and meat alternatives for a vegetarian twist
• Try barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a Southern spin

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
That’s 20% less than most traditional meatloaf recipes, which average 80 minutes. Faster, without compromising flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, half the bacon (chopped), cheese, pickle relish (drained), fried onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, and liquid smoke. Use clean hands to mix—just until combined.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Press it gently to form an even surface, but don’t overpack—it should stay airy.

Step 4: Bacon Weave Topping

Lay the remaining bacon slices over the top in a crisscross pattern. This not only bastes the meatloaf while cooking but looks impressive too.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the glaze ingredients.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

After 45 minutes, brush the loaf with the ketchup-maple-sriracha glaze. Bake another 10 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 7: Rest, Slice, Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This locks in juices and prevents it from falling apart.

Nutritional Information

(Per slice, based on 8 servings):
Calories: 530 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Carbs: 8g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 3g
Sodium: 880mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Swap beef for lean turkey or chicken – Reduces saturated fat.
• Use low-sodium cheese and condiments – Helps manage blood pressure.
• Add grated zucchini or carrots – Sneaks in veggies and adds moisture.
• Make it keto – Ditch the breadcrumbs and use almond flour instead.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting classic
- Grilled corn or green beans to brighten up the plate
- Toasted brioche buns to turn it into a literal cheeseburger experience

Personal Tip: Leftover slices make excellent sandwiches. Just reheat and layer with lettuce, tomato, and more pickles!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the meat – Leads to dense, rubbery texture
• Skipping the rest period – Slices will fall apart
• Using too lean meat – You’ll lose moisture and flavor
• Forgetting to drain the relish – Makes the loaf soggy
• Overcooking – Dry meatloaf is never a crowd-pleaser; use a thermometer!

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Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Fridge: Store cooled slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze up to 2 months
• Reheating: Microwave slices with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes

Pro Tip: Freeze individual slices for easier lunch prep or single servings.

Conclusion

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf takes everything comforting about a cheeseburger and turns it into a family-friendly dinner. It’s juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—ready in just over an hour.

Try it out, leave a comment below with your thoughts, or let us know your unique spin on it! Don’t forget to subscribe for more kitchen-tested comfort food recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. You may also need to reduce the cook time slightly.

→ What can I use instead of crispy fried onions?

You can use onion flakes or a teaspoon of onion powder for a similar effect.

→ Can I freeze this meatloaf?

Yes. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap once cooled, then freeze. Reheat in the oven.

→ Do I need to cook the bacon before mixing it in?

No, it goes in raw. The baking time will cook it through.

→ Can I leave out the sriracha?

Absolutely. The glaze still works great with just ketchup and syrup or brown sugar.