Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

This delicious bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines savory ground beef, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and smoky seasonings for an irresistible dinner option. Mixed with dill pickle relish and fried onions for an added flavor pop, it’s topped with a sweet and tangy glaze for the perfect finish. Quick to prep and baked to perfection, this dish is an excellent centerpiece for your meal, sure to please everyone at the table. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a comforting, satisfying meal. Serve warm and enjoy the bold flavor combinations in each mouthwatering slice.

This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf transforms your favorite burger flavors into a comforting, family-style dinner that brings everyone to the table. The combination of savory beef, melty cheese pockets, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible meal that satisfies those burger cravings without the bun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just over an hour
• Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
• Combines two comfort food classics burger and meatloaf
• Makes excellent leftovers for sandwiches
• Kid friendly dinner that adults will enjoy too

I first made this meatloaf when my picky eaters were complaining about “boring dinner” again. The bacon and cheese completely won them over, and now it’s requested at least twice a month in our house. Sometimes I even make two at once so we have plenty of leftovers.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: forms the hearty base but still has enough fat to keep things juicy
• Dill pickle relish: adds that classic burger tanginess that brightens the rich meat
• Crispy fried onions: provide flavor and texture without the harshness of raw onion
• Panko bread crumbs: keep the texture light rather than dense and heavy
• Sharp cheddar in small cubes: creates pockets of melty cheese throughout
• Bacon: both inside and layered on top delivers smoky flavor and crispy texture
• Worcestershire sauce: adds depth and umami that enhances the meaty flavor
• Smoke flavor: intensifies the backyard burger experience even from your oven
• Ketchup glaze: caramelizes on top for that sweet tangy finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the ingredients:Drain most of the liquid from your pickle relish to prevent a soggy meatloaf. Cube your cheese rather than shredding it to create those wonderful melty pockets throughout the finished loaf. Have your bacon ready with some cut into pieces and some left whole for the top.Mix the base gently:Combine ground beef, pickle relish, fried onions, eggs, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoke flavor in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together but work lightly. Overmixing will make your meatloaf tough rather than tender.Add the special additions:Cut six bacon strips into pieces using kitchen scissors and gently fold them into your meat mixture. This internal bacon will render as it cooks, adding flavor throughout. Next, carefully fold in the cheese cubes, distributing them evenly without overmixing.Form and top:Shape the mixture into a loaf form and place it in a 9×13 baking pan lined with foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the remaining whole bacon strips across the top of the loaf, slightly overlapping them for complete coverage as they will shrink during cooking.Bake to perfection:Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F on a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked. While it’s baking, mix your glaze ingredients together.Finish with glaze:When the meatloaf reaches temperature, brush the surface with your ketchup glaze mixture. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the bacon on top crisps to perfection.

You Must Know

• The internal cheese cubes maintain their shape better than shredded cheese
• This recipe freezes beautifully for future meals
• Perfect for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day
• You can form into mini loaves for faster cooking time

The dill pickle relish is actually my secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I was out of onions one day and decided to add pickles instead. That tangy zip completely transforms the flavor profile and gives it that authentic burger taste that my family goes crazy for. Now I wouldn’t dream of making it any other way.

Make-Ahead Options

This meatloaf can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare everything as directed but instead of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then proceed with the baking instructions. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you can prep on Sunday for an easy Monday dinner.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftover meatloaf keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, slice the cooled meatloaf and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Meatloaf sandwiches made with the leftovers might actually be better than the original dinner. Try a slice between sourdough bread with extra cheese and grilled until melty.

Variations to Try

If you want to customize this meatloaf to your family’s tastes, there are several easy swaps you can make. Ground turkey can replace beef for a lighter option, though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also incorporate different condiments into the meat mixture like mustard or BBQ sauce to change the flavor profile completely.

Pro Tips

• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it from falling apart
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without cutting into the loaf
• Line your pan with foil or parchment for virtually no cleanup afterwards

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked to 165°F.→ How do I keep the meatloaf moist?

To retain moisture, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Additionally, the bacon layer prevents the loaf from drying out during cooking.→ Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add the glaze just before baking for best results.→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf.→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Delight

Satisfy dinner cravings with a bacon cheeseburger-inspired meatloaf packed with flavor and easy to prepare.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

55 Minutes

Total Time

65 Minutes

By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meatloaf Base

01 1/2 cup dill pickle relish, drained

02 2 pounds lean ground beef

03 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or 2 tbsp onion flakes or 1 tsp onion powder

04 2 eggs

05 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

06 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

07 1 tsp smoke flavor

08 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, diced

09 16 slices uncooked bacon, divided

→ Glaze

10 1/2 cup ketchup

11 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar

12 1 tsp sriracha (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Drain most of the liquid from the dill pickle relish.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine dill pickle relish, ground beef, fried onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoke flavor. Mix lightly.

Step 04

Use scissors to cut 6 strips of bacon into small pieces and gently mix into the meatloaf mixture.

Step 05

Gently mix diced cheddar cheese into the meatloaf mixture.

Step 06

Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a 9×13-inch pan or on a baking sheet, lined with aluminum foil if preferred.

Step 07

Lay the remaining bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 08

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.

Step 09

In a small bowl, mix ketchup, maple syrup, and sriracha if using.

Step 10

Brush the meatloaf with the prepared glaze and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Notes

1. Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for maple syrup in the glaze.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking pan or baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Large mixing bowl
• Scissors
• Meat thermometer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Zaho

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.