Tasty Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf turns all your favorite burger flavors into a cozy, comforting dinner everyone will enjoy. With juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese pockets, and that unmistakable tang from dill pickle relish this dish brings bold and familiar tastes to the table without any fuss. Topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze that caramelizes beautifully, this meatloaf is both satisfying and packed with flavor.

I first tried this recipe when my kids were tired of usual dinners. The bacon and cheese were a total hit and now it is requested so often I sometimes double the batch and stash leftovers for lunches.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: gives the meatloaf a juicy and tender base and using lean ensures it’s not too greasy
• Dill pickle relish: adds the perfect touch of tang and brightness that mimics the classic burger flavor, drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess
• Crispy fried onions: bring texture and rich onion flavor without the sharp bite raw onions have
• Panko bread crumbs: keep the texture light and prevent the meatloaf from becoming dense
• Sharp cheddar cheese cut into cubes: melts beautifully inside the loaf creating delicious pockets of gooey cheese
• Bacon: some chopped inside for smoky goodness and whole strips on top for crispy, savory crust
• Worcestershire sauce: deepens the meaty flavor and adds umami
• Smoke flavor: enhances that backyard grilled burger taste even though it’s baked
• Ketchup glaze: caramelizes on top creating a sweet and tangy finish that balances the savory meat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the ingredients:

Drain the pickle relish well so your meatloaf doesn’t get watery. Cube your cheddar cheese rather than shredding it so the melty pockets stay intact. Cut six strips of bacon into pieces for the mixture and keep the rest whole for topping.

Mix the base gently:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, drained relish, crispy onions, eggs, panko bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoke flavor. Use your hands lightly and mix just until combined to avoid making the meatloaf tough.

Add the special additions:

Fold the chopped bacon pieces gently into the mixture so you get smoky bursts throughout. Carefully fold in the cheese cubes distributing them evenly but don’t overmix.

Form and top:

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a foil-lined 9x13 inch baking pan for easy cleanup. Lay the whole bacon strips across the top of the loaf slightly overlapping so you get full coverage after they shrink in cooking.

Bake to perfection:

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. While baking mix your glaze ingredients.

Finish with glaze:

When the meatloaf reaches the correct temperature, brush the top with the ketchup glaze and return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This caramelizes the glaze and crisps the bacon to perfection.

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Storage tips

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage slice the cooled meatloaf and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave. Leftover meatloaf makes fantastic sandwiches especially grilled with extra cheese on sourdough bread.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to keep it moist. For a spicy variation add diced jalapeños or substitute pepper jack cheese for cheddar. Mix in your favorite condiments like mustard or BBQ sauce to create new flavor profiles with ease.

Serving suggestions

Classic sides such as mashed potatoes green beans roasted vegetables or a simple salad pair perfectly with the richness and bold flavors of the meatloaf. Serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese and crispy bacon best.

Cultural context

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This recipe is a fun twist merging two American favorites cheeseburgers and meatloaf into one dish that brings the nostalgia of backyard cookouts indoors. It’s a modern comfort food that keeps family dinners exciting and satisfying especially when you want the burger taste without the bun.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works as a leaner option but may slightly change texture and flavor. Ensure it’s cooked fully to 165°F using a meat thermometer.

→ How can I keep the meatloaf moist?

Avoid overmixing the meat to preserve tenderness. The bacon layer on top also helps lock in moisture and adds rich flavor.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely, you can assemble the mixture up to 24 hours before baking. Keep it refrigerated and add the glaze just before cooking for best results.

→ What sides complement this meatloaf well?

Classic options like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad balance the dish's hearty and savory profiles.

→ Can leftovers be frozen?

Yes, slice cooled portions and wrap tightly in plastic and foil before freezing. They can be stored up to three months and reheated easily.