A few autumns back, I struck up a long chat with a man flipping burgers at a roadside stand just outside a county fair in Ohio. The smoke from his grill caught my attention, and before I knew it, we were swapping stories about family dinners, backyard cookouts, and the many ways ground beef has made its way to the heart of American kitchens.
He told me about a meatloaf he used to make for his kids—loaded with bacon, oozing with cheddar, and slathered with a sweet glaze. It sounded more like a cheeseburger in disguise than the traditional Sunday supper loaf my mother used to bake. Still, something about it stuck with me.
Back home, I scribbled down my own version, drawing from what he shared, but folding in a few touches of my own: a bit more cheese, a layer of smokiness from crispy bacon, and a ketchup base to keep the inside moist. I shaped it like I was packing a gift—tight, but not too tight—because meatloaf, like a good story, needs room to breathe.
I’ve made it for neighbors, old coworkers, even my grandkids. And each time, someone asks for the recipe with a smile and a second helping. That’s how I know it’s worth sharing.
Short Description
This Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is packed with ground beef, cheddar, crispy bacon, and classic burger seasonings—baked into a juicy, tender loaf with a barbecue-ketchup glaze. A comforting twist on an American favorite.
Key Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce (optional for topping)
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Loaf pan (standard 9×5-inch)
- Wooden spoon or hands for mixing
- Oven-safe meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil (optional, for tenting)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your meatloaf is shaped.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar, bacon, onion, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing—it makes the meatloaf dense and dry.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it evenly. Press down lightly to fill the pan, but don’t pack it in too firmly. If you’re not using a pan, you can also shape the loaf on a lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Topping
If using, spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the top of the loaf for extra flavor and a slightly sticky finish.
Step 5: Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If the top browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle and keeps the slices firm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Juicy, tender texture that doesn’t fall apart
– Packed with bold, familiar cheeseburger flavors
– A full meal in one easy loaf
– Kid-approved and freezer-friendly
– Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Overmixing the Meat
Too much mixing leads to a rubbery, compact loaf.
–> Mix until everything just comes together.
2. Skipping the Resting Time
Slicing right away causes juices to run out.
–> Let it rest for 10 minutes to stay moist and slice cleanly.
3. Using Lean Beef Only
Extra-lean beef can make it dry.
–> Use 80/20 ground beef for better flavor and moisture.
4. Baking Without a Thermometer
Guessing can lead to undercooked centers.
–> Use an oven-safe thermometer to check for 160°F.
5. Not Draining Bacon
Too much bacon grease will pool inside the loaf.
–> Drain the bacon on paper towels before mixing in.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve thick slices with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
It’s also great with a crisp green salad or a side of baked beans.
For drinks, pair with a glass of iced tea, a classic cola, or a light beer.
Serve family-style at the table or slice it ahead and offer it buffet-style with mini sandwich buns for a party twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze tightly wrapped individual slices for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes.
Microwave slices on a plate with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the loaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or smoked gouda work beautifully too.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead?
You can. Just add a splash of milk or an extra egg for moisture.
4. How do I keep it from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough binder—breadcrumbs and eggs—and don’t skip the resting period.
5. Can I make this without bacon?
Absolutely. You’ll miss the smoky bite, but the meatloaf still holds up well.
Tips & Tricks
Grate your onion instead of chopping for more moisture and flavor without chunks.
Line your loaf pan with parchment to lift it out easily and reduce sticking.
If making in advance, brush the topping just before baking so it doesn’t dry out.
Sneak in chopped pickles for a fun twist that tastes like the real burger deal.
Use smoked paprika for a boost of flavor without needing hot sauce.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Jalapeño Version
Add 1 chopped jalapeño, ½ tsp cayenne, and pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Bake as usual. It adds a little heat and a Tex-Mex feel.
2. Mushroom-Swiss Meatloaf
Swap cheddar for shredded Swiss, and stir in ½ cup finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for an earthier version.
3. Low-Carb Option
Replace breadcrumbs with ½ cup almond flour or crushed pork rinds. It holds together nicely and fits into keto-friendly meals.
4. BBQ Ranch Twist
Mix 2 tbsp ranch seasoning into the meat, and top with a blend of BBQ sauce and a bit of ranch dressing. Sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.
5. Mini Muffin-Tin Meatloaves
Portion the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Great for meal prep or kids’ lunchboxes.
Final Thoughts
That roadside conversation might’ve only lasted twenty minutes, but it left me with a recipe I’ve made more times than I can count. I’ve served this meatloaf on chilly weeknights, during neighborhood potlucks, and once even for a casual Sunday brunch with leftover slices turned into sandwiches.
Each time, it draws folks in—nostalgia on a plate, rich with flavor and wrapped in comfort. Recipes like this remind me that some of the best meals don’t come from fancy kitchens but from stories shared and tweaked with love. It’s messy, hearty, and wonderfully imperfect—just the way a good meal should be.
Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Print ThisIngredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce (optional for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently mix all ingredients until just combined.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Lightly press mixture into a loaf pan or shape by hand on a lined sheet.
Step 4: Add Topping
Spread barbecue sauce over the top, if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until internal temp hits 160°F. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
