This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is your favorite burger mashed into a meat that you can slice and eat it. With all savory ground beef, sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon flavors packed into it, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and Nature’s seasoning, it is rich and satisfying every bite.
Crispy bacon wrap baked to perfection, this meatloaf goes great with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or crisp salad. Perfect for family dinners or for meal prepping; it would be such a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort food gets a whole new definition with Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf! Juicy seasoned meat is loaded with gooey cheddar cheese, encased in smoky crispy bacon a rich twist on classic meatloaf. You can prepare it in a jiffy, hearty enough to feed a big crowd, and good for weeknight dinners as well as special occasions. So whether you are a person who believes in cheeseburgers or just looking for one easy meal to impress, rest assured that this recipe is packing in lots of flavors and lots of nostalgia. Trust me-this one meatloaf everybody will remember fondly.
Key Ingredients
Ground Beef: Central ingredient of this meatloaf, this one counts on the perfect ratio of fat and flavor that 85% lean provides; make sure to use a quality ground beef for best results.
Country-Style Sausage: Adds rich and spicy flavor to the dish. Use plain pork sausage if you want to avoid too much seasoning.
Cheddar Cheese: The chunks of cheddar melt in the meatloaf so that you have gooey, cheesy pockets of goodness in every bite. Swap in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier variation.
Bacon: Not only does it impart a smoky flavor to the meatloaf, but it also keeps the loaf juicy while baking. Use thick slices for a more robust texture.
Breadcrumbs: Binds the meat mixture while still remaining tender. You can also use panko or crushed crackers if you don’t have the typical breadcrumbs lying around your kitchen.
Worcestershire Sauce: Good old umami-rich sauce gives the necessary beefiness to meat. You can substitute a dash of soy sauce.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Ground beef
Sausage
Eggs
Diced onion
Ketchup
Nature’s seasoning
Garlic powder
Worcestershire sauce
Black pepper
Salt
Breadcrumbs
Diced cheddar cheese
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Line the Loaf Pans
Line two loaf pans with slices of bacon, laying the slices across the pans and letting the ends hang over the edges.
Step 4: Shape and Fill
Divide the prepared meat mixture evenly between the two loaf pans.
Press the mixture firmly into the pans to remove air pockets.
Fold the overhanging bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, fully covering the mixture.
Step 5: Bake
Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven.
Bake for 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C), indicating it is fully cooked.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Carefully remove the meatloaf from the pans immediately after baking to reduce grease.
Let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm, paired with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is hearty enough to stand on its own or be served with a number of sides to create quite the meal:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the best comfort food to pair with this dish.
Steamed Vegetables: Simple and fresh sides such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans are ideal for balancing some of that richness.
Salad: A crisp, refreshing side salad with a tart vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the meatloaf, adding a lighter element to the hearty meal.
Dinner Rolls: Warm, fluffy rolls or garlic bread are ideal for mopping up juices on your plate.
For a fun meal reminiscent of burgers, serve slices of this meatloaf on toasted brioche buns with lettuce, tomato, and pickles!
Storage Tips
Refrigerating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave on medium power until warmed through. Cover with foil while reheating to retain moisture.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder to the meat mixture for a spicy version.
Low-Carb Option: Replace bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the keto-friendly version.
BBQ Lovers: Use your favorite barbecue sauce instead of the ketchup and brush on more before baking.
Cheese Lovers: Try different cheeses, such as smoked gouda, mozzarella, or even blue cheese, to kick up the flavor a notch.
Mini Meatloaves: Divide into muffin tins so that portions are ready-sized, cook faster, and offer convenience for meal preparation!
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is comfort food with a backyard barbecue twist. Perfectly seasoned and melted with cheese inside, then wrapped in a crispy bacon skin. Family fondness is guaranteed. Follow the original recipe or go for the variations. This has got tons of flavors and satisfaction, so don’t forget the favorite sides. If there will be leftovers, be happy-they reheat fantastically! So roll your sleeves and try this recipe; it would be a sure shot!
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 3 pounds 85% lean ground beef
- 1 pound country-style sausage
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup diced onion
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Nature’s seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese
- 10-12 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, eggs, diced onion, ketchup, Nature’s seasoning, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, breadcrumbs, and diced cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Line two loaf pans with slices of bacon, laying the slices across the pans and letting the ends hang over the edges.
- Divide the prepared meat mixture evenly between the two loaf pans. Press the mixture firmly into the pans to remove air pockets. Fold the overhanging bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, fully covering the mixture.
- Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C), indicating it is fully cooked.
- Carefully remove the meatloaf from the pans immediately after baking to reduce grease. Let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, paired with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
