Cheesy Bacon Burger Loaf

Prepare to indulge in this incredibly delicious and satisfying Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe! It’s an exceptionally simple yet profoundly flavorful dish, perfect for those evenings when you crave classic American comfort food. By expertly blending the beloved tastes of a juicy cheeseburger with the heartwarming tradition of homemade meatloaf, we’ve created a dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. This innovative twist transforms two family favorites into one unforgettable meal, proving to be an absolute culinary triumph in our home.

Is there anything quite as satisfying as a perfectly crafted cheeseburger? Imagine the savory blend of ground beef, topped with rich, melted cheddar cheese, crisp and tangy pickles, and the irresistible crunch of bacon. In my household, cheeseburgers aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience, and we embrace those timeless American flavors with open arms. This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf encapsulates all that magic in a convenient, comforting loaf, making it an instant classic.

At its core, this meatloaf features tender, savory ground beef, cooked to perfection and infused with a powerful trio of flavors: tangy Worcestershire sauce, sweet ketchup, and sharp yellow mustard. These ingredients work in harmony, creating a tantalizingly rich and deeply savory profile that echoes your favorite diner burger, but in a heartwarming, sliceable format. It’s a culinary hug that truly delivers on taste.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire, ready to impress guests or simply delight your family on a weeknight. It offers a refreshing change from traditional meatloaf recipes, while still providing that familiar, home-cooked goodness. If you enjoy other creative meatloaf dishes, you’ll love this spin just as much as classic recipes like our stuffed meatloaf or Mom’s famous pork sausage meatloaf. It’s truly a standout dish that combines the best of both worlds.

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A Must-Try Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

This particular recipe has been a treasured gem in my personal “must-make” file since 2012! My dear friend, Gerry, originally shared it with me all those years ago, and it immediately captured my imagination. For far too long, it remained a plan, a delicious thought, until recently, when I finally made it a reality. And oh, how truly delighted I am that I did! The result was even better than I had imagined, quickly earning a spot among our family’s most requested dinners.

Gerry had meticulously printed the recipe from The Food Network, where it was originally created by the renowned chef, Paula Deen. She recounted her experience making it and confidently declared that our family would adore it. She couldn’t have been more right! Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a few personal touches, a little “spin” to truly make it my own and perfectly tailored to our tastes. These minor adjustments enhanced the flavors and textures, ensuring every bite was pure perfection.

Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Will Become Your New Favorite

Effortlessly Simple: One of the greatest appeals of this recipe is its straightforward preparation. All you need to do is combine the ingredients in a single bowl, form them into a loaf, and transfer to a pan for baking. It’s incredibly easy, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for simplicity without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is a true winner.
Irresistibly Mouthwatering: Prepare for a truly satisfying culinary experience. The savory ground beef is generously mixed with crispy, juicy bacon and mild cheddar cheese, resulting in a meatloaf that is remarkably tender, deeply flavorful, and bursting with those quintessential cheeseburger tastes. Every forkful offers a delightful blend of textures and robust flavors that will leave you completely satisfied and craving more.
Perfectly Family-Friendly: This meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Both adults and children will enthusiastically devour this flavorful dish, thanks to its familiar and comforting profile. What’s even better is that the ingredients are typically staples in most kitchens, meaning you likely have everything you need on hand to whip up this fantastic meal any time.
Versatile & Customizable: While the recipe is perfect as written, it’s also highly adaptable. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s preferences, whether that means adjusting the cheese type, experimenting with different seasonings, or adding extra toppings. This flexibility ensures it can be enjoyed time and again with new variations.
A Unique Comfort Food Twist: This recipe brilliantly reimagines two classic comfort foods – meatloaf and cheeseburgers – into one cohesive, exciting dish. It’s a delightful surprise for your taste buds, offering the best aspects of both in a surprisingly cohesive and delicious format. It truly elevates the concept of comfort food.

Essential Ingredients for Your Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Creating this irresistible Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf relies on a selection of simple, yet powerful ingredients that collectively deliver its signature taste. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

Ketchup: Far more than just a topping, ketchup is fundamental to the meatloaf itself. Its sweet, tangy notes are indispensable, providing a rich, savory foundation and a touch of that classic burger flavor that permeates every bite. Don’t skimp on this condiment; it’s key to the overall deliciousness.

Mustard: While often overlooked in traditional meatloaf recipes, yellow mustard is a secret ingredient here that truly elevates the dish. Its sharp, piquant flavor cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, adding a bright, zesty dimension that makes the entire meatloaf “shine” and perfectly mimics the tang of a cheeseburger.

Ground Beef: I highly recommend using lean ground beef, such as 85/15 or 90/10. The leaner cuts prevent the meatloaf from becoming overly greasy, ensuring a perfect texture that holds its shape beautifully. For those who prefer alternatives, ground turkey can be an excellent substitute, offering a lighter option without sacrificing flavor, especially when paired with the other robust ingredients.

Bacon: This is a “Bacon Cheeseburger” meatloaf, so bacon is non-negotiable! Ensure your bacon is cooked until crispy and then crumbled into small pieces. The crispier the bacon, the more texture and smoky flavor it will impart throughout the loaf, providing delightful bursts of savory goodness in every slice.

Cheese: Ah, cheese—the heart of the “cheeseburger” aspect! I opted for mild cheddar cheese due to its classic flavor and excellent melting properties. However, feel free to experiment with your favorites. American cheese will provide an even creamier, meltier texture, while pepper jack adds a subtle kick, and Colby Jack offers a lovely marbled appearance and balanced flavor. Shredded cheese distributes best for even cheesy pockets.

Eggs: Eggs play a vital dual role in this recipe. They act as a crucial binding agent, holding the meatloaf together so it doesn’t crumble during cooking or slicing. Additionally, they contribute moisture, ensuring your meatloaf remains tender and juicy, rather than dry or crumbly.

Mayonnaise: Adding mayonnaise might seem unconventional, but it’s a fantastic ingredient for enhancing moisture and richness. Whether you use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own for an extra fresh touch, mayonnaise helps keep the meatloaf incredibly tender and adds a subtle creamy depth that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Worcestershire Sauce: Another key player in the flavor profile, Worcestershire sauce brings a complex, umami-rich depth to the meatloaf. Its slightly savory, slightly tangy, and subtly sweet notes amplify the beef’s natural flavor, making the entire dish incredibly rich and irresistibly good. A little goes a long way in adding significant depth.

Breadcrumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs are essential for binding and texture. They absorb excess moisture from the meat and other ingredients, helping the loaf maintain its shape and preventing it from becoming too dense. Using seasoned breadcrumbs also provides an extra layer of herbaceous flavor, giving the meatloaf a little extra kick without needing additional spices.

Seasoning: The classic combination of salt and freshly ground black pepper is all you’ll need to perfectly season this meatloaf. These fundamental seasonings enhance all the other flavors, ensuring the beef and other ingredients taste their absolute best. Adjust to your preference, but don’t underestimate their power.

Fried Onions: For an unparalleled textural contrast and savory flavor, I love using homemade crispy fried onions as a topping. While store-bought crispy fried onions work well, making them from scratch is surprisingly easy and absolutely worth the extra effort for their superior crunch and fresh taste. They add a delightful crispy layer that perfectly complements the tender meatloaf, mimicking the crunch of fresh onions on a burger.

Pickles: In my world, a cheeseburger simply isn’t complete without a generous helping of tangy dill pickles. True to its inspiration, this cheeseburger meatloaf absolutely needs that same kind of tender loving care. The bright, acidic crunch of pickles provides a fantastic counterpoint to the rich meatloaf, cutting through the savory flavors and adding a refreshing zing that makes each bite incredibly balanced and delicious. Slice them up and serve them right on top for the full experience.

Homemade Fried Onion Strings

Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step One: Prepare the Topping and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking when your meatloaf is ready to go in. While the oven preheats, take a small bowl and combine the ketchup and mustard for the topping. Whisk them together until they are well blended. This vibrant, tangy sauce will be used both within the meatloaf mixture and as a delicious glaze on top, adding that signature cheeseburger flavor.

Step Two: Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, crispy crumbled bacon, shredded mild cheddar cheese, lightly beaten eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. These ingredients are the heart of your meatloaf, and combining them thoroughly but gently is key. Use your hands to mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense, tough meatloaf. The goal is to integrate all components evenly for a tender and flavorful final product.

Step Three: Form and Bake the Loaf

Now, incorporate about half of the prepared ketchup and mustard mixture into your meatloaf base. Mix it in gently to distribute the flavor. Once evenly incorporated, form the mixture into a neat loaf shape and carefully place it into a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan. Gently press the mixture to ensure it fills the pan without being overly compacted. Spread the remaining ketchup and mustard mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This creates a fantastic glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking. Place the uncovered loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Step Four: Add Topping and Finish Baking

After the initial 40 minutes of baking, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Sprinkle your crispy fried onions generously over the top of the loaf. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. This final baking time allows the fried onions to become wonderfully crisp and golden, adding an irresistible textural element. To ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. Ground beef is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71°C) at the thickest part of the loaf. Ensure there is no pink remaining in the center.

Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the meatloaf from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, ensuring a moister, more tender slice. It also makes slicing much easier.

Finally, garnish with extra pickles if desired, slice into generous portions, and prepare to enjoy this incredible dish!

Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf

Don’t Overmix: As mentioned, overmixing the ground beef can lead to a tough and rubbery meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Moist Hands for Shaping: When forming the loaf, slightly dampen your hands. This prevents the meat mixture from sticking to your fingers and helps you create a smoother, more even shape.
Rest Before Slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moister slice and making it easier to cut without crumbling.
Prevent Cracking: If your meatloaf tends to crack on top, you can place a piece of aluminum foil loosely over it during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. You can also press a shallow indent down the center of the loaf before baking to help mitigate cracking.
Make Ahead: Meatloaf is excellent for meal prepping! You can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage and Reheating: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making for quick and easy lunches or dinners.

Variations to Explore

Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture, or incorporate some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. Using pepper jack cheese is also a great option.
Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, experiment with smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
Burger Sauce Swaps: Instead of just ketchup and mustard, try adding a dollop of BBQ sauce, a smoky aioli, or your favorite secret burger sauce to the mix or as a topping.
Add Veggies: Finely diced onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can be sautéed and added to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
Mini Meatloaves: For individual portions or faster cooking, form the mixture into smaller loaves and bake them in a muffin tin or on a baking sheet. Adjust baking time accordingly.

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Don’t let this recipe slip away! Save this amazingly cheesy and utterly delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf for the next time you’re craving a comforting, easy, and family-approved dinner. It’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection!

What to Serve with This Delectable Meatloaf

This hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic side dishes. We absolutely adore serving it alongside my homemade double-fried French fries, which offer that perfect crispy texture and salty goodness to complement the rich meatloaf. The combination is simply irresistible!

Here are some more fantastic ideas for what you can serve with this recipe:

Dorothy’s Classic Potato Salad: A creamy, tangy potato salad is a perfect cool contrast to the warm, savory meatloaf.
Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing, ideal for soaking up any delicious meatloaf juices.
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Chips: A healthier, yet equally satisfying alternative to fries, offering a touch of sweetness.
Homestyle Corn Pie Casserole: A sweet and savory corn casserole adds a delightful texture and a burst of fresh flavor.
Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes: Fragrant and tender roasted potatoes bring an aromatic, rustic touch to the meal.
Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus: A vibrant green vegetable with a hint of garlic and cheese offers a fresh, balanced side.

Craving More Cheeseburger-Inspired Delights?

If you’re as enamored with the classic American cheeseburger flavor as we are, you’ll be thrilled to discover how wonderfully versatile its profile can be! These recipes cleverly capture the essence of a juicy cheeseburger in various exciting formats, making them perfect for any occasion. Explore these creative interpretations and bring the iconic taste of a cheeseburger to your table in new and surprising ways!

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs: (pictured above) All the deliciousness of a cheeseburger packed into bite-sized, savory meatballs, perfect as an appetizer or a fun main course.
Hearty & Easy Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon: A creamy, comforting soup that blends seasoned ground beef, cheese, and bacon into a truly warming and satisfying meal.
Crispy Cheeseburger Pizza: Imagine your favorite pizza topped with all the flavors of a cheeseburger – ground beef, cheese, pickles, and a special sauce. It’s a delightful fusion!
Delicious Cheeseburger Kebobs: Skewers loaded with seasoned ground beef patties, cherry tomatoes, onions, and cheese, grilled to perfection for a fun, interactive meal.
Cheeseburger Stuffed French Bread: A fantastic way to enjoy cheeseburger flavors, where French bread is stuffed with a savory, cheesy ground beef mixture and baked until golden and bubbling.

Now that you have all the insider tips and detailed steps, it’s time to head to the kitchen and experience the magic! Let’s learn how to make Paula Deen’s famous Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe and bring these incredible flavors to life in your home!

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Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is tender, cheesy, and so delicious! A twist on the classic American Bacon Cheeseburger the family will love!

Prep Time:	15 mins
Cook Time:	45 mins
Total Time:	1 hr

Course: Beef | Cuisine: American | Keyword: bacon, bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, cheese, fried onions, ground beef, meatloaf recipe, paula deen

Servings: 1 meatloaf | Calories: 493kcal | Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Loaf Pans

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
10 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
2 eggs, beaten slightly
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon of each salt & pepper
1/3 cup ketchup
2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
½ cup French fried onions

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
Mix ketchup and mustard together in a small bowl.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef with bacon, cheese, eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs and salt & pepper.
Mix in half of the ketchup/mustard mixture into the meat mixture. Form into a loaf and place in a 9”x5” loaf pan.
Spread remaining ketchup/mustard mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
Sprinkle with fried onions and continue baking for another 10 -15 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink in the center (beef is done when internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F / 71°C).

Nutrition