There are few comfort foods as satisfying as a juicy cheeseburger or a hearty slice of meatloaf. Now imagine combining the best of both worlds into one dish — a Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf that’s moist, flavorful, and wrapped in crispy bacon. This recipe brings all the beloved flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger — smoky bacon, melted cheese, tangy ketchup, and savory ground beef — into a rich, oven-baked loaf that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.
This dish is everything you want in comfort food: meaty, cheesy, smoky, and indulgent. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works equally well for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or a meal prep favorite. With layers of gooey cheese inside, a crispy bacon shell outside, and a savory glaze on top, every bite bursts with flavor.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to make the ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf from scratch, with pro tips for keeping it juicy, flavorful variations, and serving suggestions that elevate it from simple to spectacular.
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Mixture
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and moisture)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Filling
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 4–5 slices)
½ cup diced dill pickles (optional but adds that classic cheeseburger tang)
For the Bacon Wrap
10–12 slices of thick-cut bacon
For the Glaze
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Equipment
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. The rack helps the fat drain off and ensures even cooking all around the meatloaf.
If you don’t have a rack, you can place the loaf directly on the pan, but make sure to drain excess grease halfway through baking.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently using your hands or a spatula until just combined.
Pro Tip:
Don’t overmix — this can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Mix until everything is just evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced pickles if using. This will create a delicious cheeseburger-style filling that melts inside the loaf.
Step 4: Form the Meatloaf
Lay a large piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap on your counter. Spread the meat mixture into a rectangle about 10 inches by 12 inches and about ¾ inch thick.
Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the meat, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
Carefully roll the meat up like a jelly roll, starting from the short side. Use the paper to help lift and roll it tightly without squeezing out the filling. Seal the edges by pinching them closed.
Transfer the rolled loaf carefully onto the wire rack, seam side down.
Step 5: Wrap with Bacon
Lay the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping each slice so they cover the entire surface. Tuck the ends of the bacon under the loaf to secure them.
If you prefer, you can weave the bacon strips into a lattice pattern for a more decorative look.
Pro Tip:
Using thick-cut bacon gives a satisfying crisp texture and helps the slices stay in place as the meatloaf bakes.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
Brush half of this glaze over the top and sides of the bacon-wrapped loaf. The glaze caramelizes as it cooks, adding that sweet and tangy burger-style flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
About halfway through baking (around 35 minutes), brush the remaining glaze over the bacon for a glossy, flavorful finish.
If the bacon isn’t crisp enough at the end, switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve that perfect golden brown finish.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once fully cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy.
Slice thickly and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. Drizzle extra glaze or ketchup on top for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving ideas that make it even better:
Classic Style: Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and gravy for a hearty dinner.
Burger Style: Slice leftovers and serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles for a meatloaf sandwich.
Loaded Dinner: Pair with crispy fries or onion rings and a side of coleslaw for a full diner-style meal.
BBQ Twist: Add barbecue sauce to the glaze for a smoky-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled corn or baked beans.
Flavor Variations
1. Spicy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
2. Barbecue Meatloaf
Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce in both the meat and glaze for a tangy, smoky spin.
3. Mushroom-Swiss Version
Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an elegant variation.
4. Turkey or Chicken Version
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist.
5. Keto/Low-Carb Option
Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a binder. Omit the sugar from the glaze.
Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Use 80/20 Beef: The fat content keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
Don’t Overmix: Combine ingredients just until mixed to prevent a dense texture.
Use a Wire Rack: It helps the bacon crisp evenly and prevents the loaf from sitting in grease.
Let It Rest: Resting helps the juices settle, making each slice moist and tender.
Add Cheese Inside and On Top: For a cheesier version, sprinkle extra cheese on top before broiling.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the loaf a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Store Properly: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions
To Make Ahead:
Prepare the meatloaf up to the bacon-wrapping stage. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
To Freeze:
Wrap the uncooked loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
To Reheat:
Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 530 kcal
Total Fat 36 g
Saturated Fat 14 g
Carbohydrates 14 g
Protein 38 g
Sodium 920 mg
Cholesterol 155 mg
Sugar 7 g
Note: Nutrition may vary based on bacon thickness, cheese type, and cooking method.
Why This Recipe Works
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines the richness of a traditional meatloaf with the familiar comfort of a classic cheeseburger. The key lies in layering flavors and textures:
Bacon: Adds smoky saltiness and a crisp exterior.
Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty center reminiscent of a cheeseburger.
Onion, Garlic, and Worcestershire Sauce: Deepen the savory flavor.
Tangy Glaze: Balances the richness with a hint of sweetness and acidity.
Together, these elements create a meatloaf that’s moist inside, crunchy outside, and packed with the comforting flavors of an all-American favorite.
Perfect Pairings
To round out your meal, serve your Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with:
Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter mashed cauliflower
Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans
Homemade onion rings or seasoned fries
Classic coleslaw for a refreshing crunch
A crisp dill pickle and ketchup drizzle for a true cheeseburger touch
Leftover Ideas
Leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is almost better the next day. Here are creative ways to use it:
Meatloaf Sandwich: Toast bread or burger buns, add lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sauce.
Meatloaf Sliders: Cut into small squares and serve on mini buns for a fun party snack.
Breakfast Hash: Dice and fry leftovers with potatoes and eggs.
Pasta Bake: Mix chopped meatloaf with pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese for a quick casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting too early causes juices to escape, drying out the meat.
Using Lean Meat: Lean beef results in a dry loaf. Stick to 80/20 or add a bit of oil.
Overbaking: Check internal temperature — once it reaches 160°F, remove immediately.
Too Much Filler: Excess breadcrumbs can make the loaf heavy. Use just enough to bind.
Not Seasoning Enough: Always taste-test a small cooked piece of the mixture before baking to adjust seasoning.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the perfect dish when you want something hearty, comforting, and unforgettable. It takes the familiar taste of a cheeseburger — smoky bacon, melted cheese, tangy sauce — and transforms it into a family-style dinner that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
Each slice offers the best of both worlds: tender, juicy beef; a melty cheese center; and a crisp bacon coating. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or on a bun, it’s a guaranteed hit for weeknights or gatherings alike.