This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is packed with juicy beef, gooey melted cheddar, tangy pickles, and topped with crispy bacon, ketchup, and mustard. All the classic cheeseburger flavors in one cozy, family-friendly dinner!
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf takes everything you love about a classic cheeseburger and turns it into one ultra-cozy, family-friendly dinner. Juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, tangy pickles, and a savory ketchup-mustard topping all come together in one hearty loaf. Finished with crispy bacon for the ultimate comfort food upgrade.
It’s rich, flavorful, and just a little nostalgic, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love It
- All the cheeseburger flavor - Beef, cheddar, pickles, ketchup, and mustard in every bite.
- Extra juicy and tender - Thanks to eggs, breadcrumbs, and sautéed onions.
- Melty cheese center - Hidden layer of cheddar baked right into the middle.
- Bacon on top - Crispy, smoky, and completely irresistible.
- Family-friendly favorite - Comfort food that everyone will actually be excited about.
What Kind of Ground Beef to Use
For the best flavor and texture, use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef. It has enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist and juicy without being overly greasy.
Leaner beef (like 90/10) will work, but your meatloaf may turn out a bit drier.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t skip sautéing the onions - This adds flavor and keeps the texture soft instead of crunchy, and the flavor sweet and savory instead of bitter.
- Pat pickles dry - Prevents excess moisture from making the meatloaf soggy.
- Use freshly shredded cheese if possible - It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Seal the edges well - This keeps the cheese from leaking out while baking.
- Switch up the cheese - Try American, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Add a smoky boost - Replace the ketchup in the meat mixture with barbecue sauce for a little smoky flavor.
- Make it mini - Divide into smaller loaves for faster cooking and easy portioning.
- Check doneness - Internal temp should reach 160°F.
- Let it set - For easier slicing, drain meatloaf straight out of the oven, as much as can be poured off the pan without disturbing the loaf. Then let set for 10-15 minutes.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is hearty enough to be the star of the plate, but it pairs perfectly with classic comfort sides. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even crispy fries to lean into that cheeseburger feel. A simple side salad or coleslaw helps balance out the richness, and don’t forget extra ketchup and mustard on the side for that full diner-style experience.
More Ground Beef Recipes You'll Love
- Cheeseburger Casserole - A cozy, cheesy casserole with classic cheeseburger flavors topped with fluffy golden buttery biscuits for an easy family dinner.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza - All the best cheeseburger toppings layered on a crispy pizza crust for a fun, flavor-packed twist on pizza night.
- Homemade Hamburger Helper - Creamy, cheesy, and made from scratch for a quick one-pot dinner that’s even better than the boxed version.
- Sloppy Joe Casserole - A hearty, saucy beef casserole with sweet and savory sloppy joe flavor baked into an easy, comforting meal.
- Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak - Tender beef patties simmered in rich brown gravy for a classic comfort food dinner with minimal effort.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Video
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ large onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup chopped pickles patted dry
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar sliced
- 10 slices bacon uncooked, cut in half
- Ketchup and mustard for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Saute onions and garlic until onions are tender, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in parsley and saute for an additional 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, eggs, bread crumbs, ketchup, pickles, Worcestershire, pepper, salt and cooled veggies. Mix until combined.
- Divide meat in half. Shape one half of the meat into the bottom half of the prepared loaf pan. Place cheddar slices down the center, leaving ½ inch around the ends and sides. Shape remaining half of meat as the top half of the loaf, sealing the edges.
- Top meatloaf with bacon pieces.
- Cook for 60-75 minutes in a 350°F oven, until firm and cooked through.
- Drain excess grease, and let your meatloaf set for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten free, use gluten free breadcrumbs or finely processed oats.
- Use 80/20 or 85/15 lean ground beef. You want a little fat to keep it juicy, but not too much.
- No bread crumbs? Use food processor to process fresh bread into breadcrumbs.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in individual servings on a microwave safe dish.
- Freezer Directions: To freeze, prepare meatloaf to step 7. Then transfer raw meatloaf mixture into a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. Then continue with the recipe starting at step 8.
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