"This is the best meatloaf I've ever eaten." That's what my husband said, and I've made many meatloaves over the years! This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is loaded with bacon (on the inside and outside) and a generous amount of cheese. The seasonings are spot on, and the texture is tender and juicy.
Recipe Timeline
- Prep - 15 minutes
- Bake - 1 hour
- Rest - 5 minutes
For a classic meatloaf that's anything but boring, give this Southern Style Meatloaf a try. It's tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful just like this one.
If you're a cheeseburger aficionado, here are two more "cheeseburger" inspired recipes to check out - Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole and IP Cheeseburger Soup.
Jump to:
- Recipe Timeline
- What Makes This Meatloaf So Darn Irresistible
- Ingredient Photo with Notes
- Substitutions
- Additions
- How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Recipe Tips
- Mistakes to Avoid
- Leftover Meatloaf Ideas
- Meal Plan Ideas
- Storing the Leftovers
- How to Freeze Meatloaf
- Questions and Answers
- More Family Favorite Ground Beef Recipes
- Get a Free Meal Plan
- Leave a Comment
- Follow me on Pinterest
- Recipe
- Comments
What Makes This Meatloaf So Darn Irresistible
- This recipe was developed by me (a human) in my own kitchen and taste-tested by other humans to ensure the perfect meatloaf 🙂
- This recipe is super easy and that appeals to most home cooks, right? You mix everything up in a bowl, shape it into a loaf, top with ketchup, and bake.
- This is one of those main dishes that the leftovers are even better the next day! Enjoy them cold or hot, plain or in a hamburger bun.
- The bacon! Bacon inside the meatloaf and on top. Hmm, maybe this should be the #1 reason to love it!
Ingredient Photo with Notes
Here's everything you need to make this easy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf.
Ground beef - For less grease, use a lean ground beef such as 90/10 or 80/20.
Bacon - For quick prep, use pre-cooked thick-cut bacon and cut with scissors (no need to cook it first; use it straight from the package).
Cheese - It wouldn't be a "cheeseburger" meatloaf with the cheese! You can use sharp or mild depending on your preference.
Breadcrumbs - seems innocent enough, but the breadcrumbs are vital to the moisture and tenderness of the meatloaf!
Seasonings - mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Toppings - we'll top this beautiful meatloaf with a layer of ketchup before baking it, and then chopped tomato and more bacon after!
Substitutions
- Ground turkey or venison instead of ground beef.
- Cook, drain, and chop regular bacon instead of the pre-cooked.
- Use a blend of sharp cheddar + monterey Jack for a killer combo.
- For a subtle kick, try pepper jack cheese.
- For juiciness and flavor soak, breadcrumbs win! But crackers come close, especially the buttery ones. If you're a fan of Ritz crackers then you must try this meatloaf with Ritz crackers!
- I don't recommend oats because the meatloaf will need a little moisture help and they create a different texture.
Additions
- After the meatloaf has baked, top with sliced pickles (or jalapenos)!
- You could go the extra cheeseburger mile and add some shredded lettuce to the chopped tomato topping.
- Stir in some BBQ sauce with the ketchup for a smokey meatloaf topping. Blend ¼ c BBQ sauce and ¼ c ketchup, spread on top of the meatloaf before baking.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Here's a quick step-by-step guide with photos of how to make it. See the recipe card for complete details.
Step 1. Blend eggs, onion powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 2. Add the ground beef, bacon, cheese, and bread crumbs. Blend just until evenly mixed.
Step 3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place on a sheet pan.
Step 4. Bake at 325F for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is 160F.
Recipe Tips
- For easy blending without overmixing, cut the ground beef into several chunks before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
- Allow the baked meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes (or 10) before slicing so the juices redistribute and the slices hold together better.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the mixture makes meatloaf tough. Blend just until mixed.
- Don't skimp on the seasoning; meatloaf should be full of flavor!
- Use all of the breadcrumbs and eggs; they will keep your meatloaf from falling apart.
Leftover Meatloaf Ideas
This meatloaf is even better the next day, and it's perfect eaten all by itself. But don't let a single slice go to waste-this meatloaf turns into next-day gold.
- Make a classic meatloaf sandwich! Ahh, that's just the best!
- Crumble it to make a meatloaf pizza.
- Chop it and use it in a salad.
Meal Plan Ideas
Here's an easy "meatloaf cheeseburger" meal plan complete with sides and dessert:
Entree: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf or even these Stuffed Cheeseburgers
Sides: Smothered Cabbage and Easy Mac and Cheese or choose from any of these Side Dishes.
Dessert: Mandarin Orange Cake in the summer or Apple Crisp in the winter. For more options, here are all my desserts!
Storing the Leftovers
Leftovers keep great in the fridge and are even better the next day. Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container (like these Bayco glass containers) for 2-3 days.
How to Freeze Meatloaf
Freeze before baking: Wrap well and freeze up to 3 months-bake from frozen or thaw and cook like usual.
Freeze after baking: Cool, slice, and freeze for quick meals-just reheat in the oven or microwave.
Pro tip: Wrap tightly in plastic + foil to prevent freezer burn and keep it tasting fresh.
Best method: Bake, cool, slice, wrap, and freeze-easy lunches done!
Questions and Answers
Yes! Meal prep is super easy. You can shape the loaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit out for 20-30 minutes before baking so it cooks evenly.
You sure can! Shape it into a loaf, place on a foil sling or parchment inside your slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It won't brown like in the oven but stays incredibly juicy.
Yes, you can but be careful to only use 6 slices of regular (not thick cut) bacon, cut into very small pieces. Use the raw bacon inside the meatloaf but be sure to cook the bacon that goes on top after it's baked.
More Family Favorite Ground Beef Recipes
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Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Equipment
- 9x13-inch pan
- measuring cup(s)
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
MEATLOAF
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons ketchup
- 3 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 pounds ground beef Tip - for easier mixing, cut the ground beef into several large chunks before using it
- 8 strips cooked bacon, chopped For easy prep, I use the pre-cooked, thick cut bacon. Use scissors to cut the bacon straight into your mixing bowl.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese block, shredded Please shred your own cheese for the best flavor and creamy texture
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs Breadcrumbs make the meatloaf very tender and juicy, so use a full cup!
- ½ cup ketchup
TOPPINGS
- 1 medium tomato, chopped and seeded
- 2 strips cooked bacon, chopped
- fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- I highly recommend making this meatloaf as written-ingredients and method. Thinking about swapping in oats for the breadcrumbs? I wouldn't do it. They don't bind the same way and you'll lose that tender, juicy texture that makes this meatloaf so good. See the Notes section for more tips!
- Preheat the oven to 325F. Line a 9x13-inch pan with foil, then spray the foil with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, add eggs, onion powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend with a whisk.
- Add the ground beef, bacon, cheese, and bread crumbs. Thoroughly blend together with your hands without overmixing it.
- Place the mixture in your baking pan and shape into a loaf. Spread ½ cup ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake on the center oven rack for 1 hour. The meatloaf should reach 160F on a meat thermometer.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Then top with chopped tomatoes, then chopped bacon, and then parsley.
Notes
- Cheese Ideas: Sharp cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, Colby-Jack, or smoked gouda add fun twists.
- Breadcrumbs Work Best: They soak up flavor and keep the meatloaf juicy. Crackers can be used in a pinch.
- Don't Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep the texture tender-not tough.
- Make Ahead: Shape and chill up to 24 hours before baking. Great for meal prep!
- Fun Additions: (1) After the meatloaf has baked, top with sliced pickles (or jalapenos)! You could go the extra cheeseburger mile and add some shredded lettuce to the chopped tomato topping. (2) Stir in some BBQ sauce with the ketchup for a smokey meatloaf topping: Blend ¼ c BBQ sauce and ¼ c ketchup, spread on top of the meatloaf before baking.
- Leftovers: Will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Slice and reheat for sandwiches, sliders, or crumble into pasta or breakfast hash.
- Freezing: Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze slices or the whole loaf for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.
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