Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but sometimes you want something a little more exciting. Enter: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf! This recipe combines the familiar flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the ease and satisfaction of a hearty meatloaf. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and your favorite burger toppings all baked together in one delicious dish. This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf; it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy burger toppings creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, it’s a relatively easy dish to prepare, making it a great option for busy cooks.
## Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Works
* **It’s a Flavor Bomb:** The combination of ground beef, bacon, cheese, and burger toppings creates an irresistible flavor profile. Every bite is a symphony of savory, salty, and tangy notes.
* **It’s Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep work and is straightforward to follow. Even beginner cooks can achieve excellent results.
* **It’s a Crowd-Pleaser:** This meatloaf is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger in a new and exciting format.
* **It’s Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add your favorite burger toppings, experiment with different cheeses, or use different types of ground meat.
* **Perfectly combines Comfort Food with Fun:** It takes the expected meatloaf and amps it up in a playful way. It is certain to be a topic of conversation around the dinner table.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Ground Beef:** The foundation of our meatloaf. Use a lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and texture. Higher fat content will add more flavor but might render too much grease during baking. Ground chuck is an excellent choice.
* **Bacon:** Adds smoky, salty goodness. Cook it until crispy before adding it to the meatloaf.
* **Onion:** Provides savory depth. Dice it finely to ensure it cooks evenly.
* **Garlic:** Enhances the overall flavor profile. Mince it finely or use garlic powder if you prefer.
* **Breadcrumbs:** Act as a binder, holding the meatloaf together and preventing it from becoming too dense. Use plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a slightly coarser texture.
* **Egg:** Another binding agent, helping to create a cohesive and moist meatloaf.
* **Milk:** Adds moisture and helps to soften the breadcrumbs.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds a savory, umami flavor that complements the ground beef and bacon perfectly.
* **Ketchup:** Contributes to the overall flavor and helps to create a slightly tangy glaze.
* **Mustard:** Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** The classic cheeseburger cheese. Shredded cheddar cheese is best for even distribution throughout the meatloaf. You can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack.
* **Burger Toppings:** Get creative with your favorite burger toppings! Diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and even a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce all work well.
**Detailed Ingredient List:**
* 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 lean)
* 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
* 1 medium onion, finely diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, burger sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large mixing bowl
* 9×5 inch loaf pan
* Skillet or frying pan (for cooking bacon and onions)
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Aluminum foil (optional, for easier cleanup)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Onions**
1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. This step is important because it helps to develop the flavors of the onion and garlic, which will then infuse the entire meatloaf.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onions and garlic cool slightly.
**Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, cooked onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. It is important to ensure that the ingredients are mixed thoroughly but avoid overmixing, which can result in a tough meatloaf.
2. Gently mix all ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
**Step 3: Assemble the Meatloaf**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also line the loaf pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easier removal of the meatloaf after baking. This is especially helpful if you plan to slice and serve the meatloaf directly from the pan.
3. Press half of the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan, creating an even layer.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
5. Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture, pressing it down gently to seal the cheese inside.
6. Shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape, ensuring that the sides are even and the top is slightly rounded.
**Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf**
1. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf, avoiding contact with any cheese.
2. During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the meatloaf. This will create a melted, cheesy topping that is visually appealing and adds an extra layer of flavor.
**Step 5: Rest and Serve**
1. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, resulting in a more moist and flavorful final product.
2. If you lined the loaf pan with aluminum foil, lift the meatloaf out of the pan using the overhang. Otherwise, carefully invert the meatloaf onto a serving platter or cutting board.
3. Slice the meatloaf into thick slices and serve immediately.
4. Top with your favorite burger toppings, such as diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and burger sauce. This is where you can really customize the meatloaf to your liking and create a truly unique and delicious dish.
## Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can result in a tough meatloaf. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined.
* **Use Lean Ground Beef:** Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to prevent the meatloaf from becoming too greasy.
* **Cook the Onions and Garlic:** Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the meatloaf helps to develop their flavors and prevents them from being too harsh.
* **Let the Meatloaf Rest:** Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.
* **Customize Your Toppings:** Get creative with your burger toppings! Use your favorite combinations to create a truly unique and personalized meatloaf.
* **Add a Glaze:** For a sweeter, more flavorful glaze, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of mustard and brush it over the meatloaf during the last 15 minutes of baking.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the meatloaf mixture can add a burst of fresh flavor.
* **Add a Spicy Kick:** For a spicier meatloaf, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Ground Turkey or Chicken:** Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option. Be sure to use ground turkey or chicken with some fat content to prevent the meatloaf from becoming too dry.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
* **Different Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a fried egg on top of the meatloaf.
* **BBQ Sauce:** Replace the ketchup in the meatloaf mixture with BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
* **Stuffed Meatloaf:** For an even more decadent dish, stuff the meatloaf with other ingredients, such as sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
* **Mini Meatloaves:** Bake the meatloaf mixture in muffin tins to create individual mini meatloaves. This is a great option for portion control or for serving at parties.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Mashed Potatoes:** A classic pairing for meatloaf. Top with gravy or a dollop of sour cream.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Green Beans:** A simple and flavorful side dish that complements the richness of the meatloaf.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A comfort food classic that pairs perfectly with meatloaf.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing and crunchy side dish that balances the richness of the meatloaf.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to the meatloaf.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A summertime favorite that is a great addition to meatloaf.
* **Rolls or Bread:** Serve with crusty rolls or bread for soaking up the delicious sauces and juices.
* **Gravy:** Prepare a simple gravy using beef broth and cornstarch for a classic meatloaf accompaniment.
* **Burger Sauce:** Drizzle your favorite burger sauce over the meatloaf for an extra burst of flavor.
## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for meal prepping or for busy weeknights.
* **Storage:** Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
* **Freezing:** Meatloaf can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutrition Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams
*Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.*
## Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 60 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 lean)
* 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
* 1 medium onion, finely diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, burger sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Crumble and set aside. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the bacon fat until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, cooked onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix gently until just combined.
5. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
6. Press half of the meatloaf mixture into the pan.
7. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
8. Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture, pressing gently to seal the cheese inside.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
10. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
11. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
12. Top with your favorite burger toppings.
Enjoy your delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf!
## Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a fun and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. So, ditch the boring meatloaf and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.