bacon cheeseburger meatloaf

If you’ve never tried this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This savory comfort food combines the best of two classics—juicy cheeseburgers and hearty meatloaf.

Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with parsley garnish, partially wrapped in bacon.

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It’s packed with melted sharp cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and a tangy ketchup mix that makes each bite utterly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this recipe guarantees full stomachs and happy faces.

This dish is a hit in my house, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender ground beef results in a flavor explosion you won’t forget. It’s easy to make, comforting, and feels a little bit fancy with all those layers of goodness. We’ve made this our go-to recipe for weeknight dinners (and yes, there are always requests for seconds).

Love recipes like this? After trying this one, you have to make my meatball dump and bake casserole or my instant pot lasagna.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to create this cheeseburger meatloaf. Don’t worry, the full details with quantities are found in the printable recipe card at the bottom!

Lean ground beef (or ground turkey as a substitute): The base of the meatloaf, providing flavor and structure. Ground turkey works as a lighter alternative.
Seasoned breadcrumbs: Helps bind the ingredients together while adding flavor and texture.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy layer that mimics the taste of a classic bacon cheeseburger.
Crispy, crumbled bacon: Brings smoky, savory flavor and a crispy bite to the meatloaf.
Large egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to keep the meatloaf from falling apart.
Milk: Keeps the meatloaf moist and tender during baking.
Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness, reminiscent of a traditional burger topping.
Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and sharpness to balance the richness.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the depth of flavor with its savory, umami notes—don’t skip it!
Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlic flavor throughout the meatloaf.
Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor without the need for chopping.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and seasoning the dish perfectly.

Instructions

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to make this delicious cheeseburger meatloaf recipe. The complete instructions, along with measurements, are in the recipe card below.

A glass bowl containing chopped bacon, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, spices, and two cracked eggs. A measuring cup of milk is in the background.

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, egg, milk, ¼ cup ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Raw meatloaf mix in a white rectangular baking dish, with striped cloth and bowl of shredded cheese nearby on a light background.

Step 2: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan.

Raw bacon strips woven into a lattice pattern placed in a white rectangular baking dish on a white surface.

Step 3: Weave the bacon over the meatloaf in a criss-cross pattern, tucking the ends under the loaf.

A bacon-wrapped loaf topped with melted cheese in a white baking dish, with fresh parsley in the background.

Step 4: Preheat your oven, place the loaf in the oven and bake. Let the meatloaf rest for before slicing and serving.

Hint: Want to add a twist? Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick!

Storage

Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors somehow get even better after a day!

Freezing – To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating – Microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Bacon-wrapped dish on a white plate, garnished with parsley, with a basket of greens in the background.

Wendy’s Tips

If you’re trying to cut back on saturated fat, swap in lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the remaining ketchup mixture is a game-changer for boosting flavor.
Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and no mess.

What to Serve with Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Turn this into a complete meal by serving your bacon cheeseburger meatloaf with a side of cheesy mashed potatoes, some sheet pan green beans and potatoes for a touch of freshness.

Finish your meal off with a slice of decadent double fudge chocolate cake. It’s the dinner everyone will want to repeat week after week!

Sliced meatloaf wrapped in bacon on a white plate, garnished with parsley. A basket of fresh parsley is in the background.

FAQs

Why does my meatloaf fall apart?

This is often due to too little binder (like eggs or breadcrumbs). Make sure to mix your ingredients thoroughly while keeping a good balance of wet and dry components.

Can I make this meatloaf in a slow cooker?

Yes! Form the meat mixture into a loaf and place it gently into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.