BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Introduction

The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf takes the best flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger and transforms them into a hearty, comforting meatloaf. With smoky bacon, gooey melted cheese, savory beef, and tangy BBQ sauce baked into every bite, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.

This meatloaf is flavor-packed, satisfying, and a showstopper at the dinner table. Imagine your favorite burger—smoky, cheesy, saucy—turned into a warm sliceable loaf. That’s exactly what this recipe delivers!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because:

• It’s a creative twist on two classics: burgers and meatloaf.
• The cheesy, smoky, saucy combo makes it irresistible.
• It’s easy to prepare, yet feels like a restaurant-quality comfort meal.
• It’s a perfect family dinner, potluck star, or cozy weekend treat.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Combines everything you love in a cheeseburger into one dish.
• The BBQ glaze adds a sweet and tangy twist.
• The bacon adds smokiness and crunch.
• Makes amazing leftovers for sandwiches or sliders the next day.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Course: Main Dish
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~480–520 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• Optional: 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, cheese, bacon, eggs, milk, BBQ sauce, ketchup, onion, and seasonings.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
4. Mix BBQ sauce and ketchup for glaze, spread half on top.
5. Bake for 40 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze and bake another 15 minutes.
6. Rest before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Meat Mixture
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, bacon, onion, eggs, milk, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix gently with your hands until combined (don’t overmix or it will be tough).
3. Shape and Place in Pan
   • Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place into the prepared pan or baking dish.
4. Add First Layer of Glaze
   • In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce and ketchup. Spread half of it evenly on top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake
   • Bake for 40 minutes.
6. Add Final Glaze
   • Spread the remaining glaze on top. Sprinkle with extra bacon if desired.
   • Bake for another 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest and Serve
   • Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

• Slice and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or cornbread.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color.
• Serve leftovers in a sandwich roll for a BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Sandwich.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
• For extra smokiness, add liquid smoke or smoked gouda cheese.
• Mix in diced pickles or jalapeños for a burger-style kick.
• Always let meatloaf rest before slicing—this keeps it juicy.

Variations

• Stuffed Version: Stuff with cheese cubes inside for a molten center.
• Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Spicy Version: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese.
• Mini Meatloaves: Bake in muffin tins for portion-controlled servings.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap cooked meatloaf tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Loaf pan or baking dish
• Meat thermometer

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the meatloaf mixture, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits?
Yes, but freshly cooked bacon adds better flavor and texture.

Q3: Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Yes—use crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour for a low-carb version.

Q4: How do I keep it from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough binder (eggs and breadcrumbs) and let it rest before slicing.

Conclusion

The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food classics. Smoky bacon, gooey cheese, tangy BBQ glaze, and juicy beef come together in a dish that’s hearty, family-friendly, and unforgettable. Whether you serve it for Sunday dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, this meatloaf is guaranteed to satisfy cravings and bring smiles to the table.