Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Reinvented
There are few comfort foods as satisfying as a juicy cheeseburger or a hearty slice of meatloaf. Now imagine combining the best of both worlds into one dish — a Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf that’s moist, flavorful, and wrapped in crispy bacon. This recipe brings all the beloved flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger — smoky bacon, melted cheese, tangy ketchup, and savory ground beef — into a rich, oven-baked loaf that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.
This dish is everything you want in comfort food: meaty, cheesy, smoky, and indulgent. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works equally well for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or a meal prep favorite. With layers of gooey cheese inside, a crispy bacon shell outside, and a savory glaze on top, every bite bursts with flavor.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to make the ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf from scratch, with pro tips for keeping it juicy, flavorful variations, and serving suggestions that elevate it from simple to spectacular.
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Mixture
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and moisture)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Filling
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 4–5 slices)
½ cup diced dill pickles (optional but adds that classic cheeseburger tang)
For the Bacon Wrap
10–12 slices of thick-cut bacon
For the Glaze
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Equipment
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. The rack helps the fat drain off and ensures even cooking all around the meatloaf.
If you don’t have a rack, you can place the loaf directly on the pan, but make sure to drain excess grease halfway through baking.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently using your hands or a spatula until just combined.
Pro Tip:
Don’t overmix — this can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Mix until everything is just evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced pickles if using. This will create a delicious cheeseburger-style filling that melts inside the loaf.
Step 4: Form the Meatloaf
Lay a large piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap on your counter. Spread the meat mixture into a rectangle about 10 inches by 12 inches and about ¾ inch thick.
Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the meat, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
Carefully roll the meat up like a jelly roll, starting from the short side. Use the paper to help lift and roll it tightly without squeezing out the filling. Seal the edges by pinching them closed.
Transfer the rolled loaf carefully onto the wire rack, seam side down.
Step 5: Wrap with Bacon
Lay the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping each slice so they cover the entire surface. Tuck the ends of the bacon under the loaf to secure them.
If you prefer, you can weave the bacon strips into a lattice pattern for a more decorative look.
Pro Tip:
Using thick-cut bacon gives a satisfying crisp texture and helps the slices stay in place as the meatloaf bakes.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
Brush half of this glaze over the top and sides of the bacon-wrapped loaf. The glaze caramelizes as it cooks, adding that sweet and tangy burger-style flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
About halfway through baking (around 35 minutes), brush the remaining glaze over the bacon for a glossy, flavorful finish.
If the bacon isn’t crisp enough at the end, switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve that perfect golden brown finish.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once fully cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy.
Slice thickly and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. Drizzle extra glaze or ketchup on top for added flavor.
