There’s something magical about the combination of smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and juicy ground beef. Now imagine all those flavors coming together in a tender, hearty meatloaf. That’s exactly what this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf delivers!

I stumbled upon this gem while trying to satisfy my family’s burger cravings without firing up the grill. It’s become a weeknight staple, offering all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, sliceable form. Let’s dive into why this recipe is bound to become your new favorite dinner.

Why You'll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Get ready to upgrade your weeknight dinner game with this crowd-pleasing recipe. This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate.

Quick and Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet flavor, this meatloaf comes together in under 20 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Packed with Flavor: Every bite combines the smoky goodness of crispy bacon, the creaminess of melty cheddar, and the savory richness of seasoned beef.
Kid-Approved: If you’ve got picky eaters, this recipe will be a hit. The cheeseburger-inspired flavors are guaranteed to win them over.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple, everyday ingredients, you can feed a family of four without breaking the bank.

Whether you're cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, this dish is a surefire hit. Ready to get started? Let’s talk ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Here’s what makes it shine:

Ground Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. A leaner mix might make the meatloaf too dry.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar is ideal for that classic cheeseburger flavor. Don’t skimp here—quality cheese makes a big difference.
Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon is folded into the meatloaf for a smoky depth. You’ll also lay strips across the top for an irresistible presentation.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatloaf while keeping it moist. Panko or traditional breadcrumbs work well.
Ketchup and Mustard: Classic burger condiments add tangy sweetness and zesty spice to the mix.
Eggs: These provide structure and help hold everything together.
Onion and Garlic: Diced onion and minced garlic bring savory notes that elevate the overall flavor.

Special Equipment: A loaf pan ensures the meatloaf holds its shape, but a sheet pan with parchment paper works too. Keep a meat thermometer handy for perfect doneness.

How To Make This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Making this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a breeze. Follow these steps for guaranteed success:

Prepare the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook 4-5 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. Reserve 3-4 uncooked slices for topping.
Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, eggs, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan, pressing it evenly. If using a sheet pan, shape the meat into a loaf.
Top with Bacon: Lay the reserved strips of bacon over the top of the meatloaf, tucking the edges neatly for even cooking.
Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The bacon on top should be crisp and golden.
Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.

Storage Options

One of the best parts of this recipe? It stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead or leftover option.

Refrigerator: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead: Prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it in the pan, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Pro Tip: To keep the bacon topping crispy, store it separately and reheat it in a skillet before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly customizable to suit your tastes:

Turkey Twist: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binding agent.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or blue cheese for unique flavor twists.
Vegetable Boost: Sneak in shredded zucchini or carrots for added nutrition without sacrificing taste.

The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!

Final Thoughts

There you have it: a Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf that combines the best of comfort food with burger night flavors. Whether you're serving it with mashed potatoes, a crisp side salad, or classic burger toppings, this dish is sure to impress.

So why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you!