A few months back, someone in my Thursday night recipe group mentioned trying bacon in meatloaf. The whole table went quiet like we were hearing state secrets. We all leaned in. A few of us even jotted it down on napkins.

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It’s that kind of group—half dinner party, half support group for tired parents who still want dinner to be something more than microwaved pizza. I couldn’t stop thinking about the combination. I mean, bacon, beef, cheddar… it just made sense.

The next weekend, I played around with it in my kitchen, trying to strike the right balance. I still had to feed four people, including a picky eater and a teenager who eats like he’s training for a sport he’s not even in. The goal: get everyone to eat dinner, not just tolerate it. I stuck to pantry staples, kept the seasonings simple, and leaned into the cheeseburger angle—because anything with “cheeseburger” in the name earns less resistance at my table.

Now it’s made the regular rotation, sandwiched somewhere between taco Tuesdays and baked ziti nights. It reheats beautifully, and it’s one of those dishes I don’t mind doubling because it disappears fast. I’ve even brought it to a potluck once, and one dad texted me for the recipe the next day. That’s a solid win.

Short Description

Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a savory, family-friendly spin on the classic meatloaf—packed with ground beef, melty cheddar, smoky bacon, and all the flavors of a cheeseburger in one comforting bite.

Key Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup ketchup
2 large eggs
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional, for topping)

Tools Needed

Mixing bowl
Loaf pan
Measuring cups & spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Oven thermometer (optional but helpful)
Aluminum foil (optional for tenting)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, onion, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overmix or the meatloaf can become dense.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the meat mixture into your loaf pan. Use your hands or a spatula to shape it into a loaf, smoothing out the top.

Step 4: Add Barbecue Sauce (Optional)

If you’re using barbecue sauce, spread it evenly over the top of the loaf for a sweet, smoky glaze.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the loaf pan on the middle oven rack and bake for 60–70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If the top starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for easier, cleaner slices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Kid-approved and adult-friendly

– Budget-friendly ingredients

– Easily customizable with add-ins or toppings

– Classic cheeseburger flavor in comfort food form

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the meat:
Too much mixing leads to a dense, rubbery loaf. Mix until just combined.

Skipping the rest time:
Cutting too soon releases the juices. Let it rest for 10 minutes so it stays moist.

Undercooked center:
Use a thermometer. Aim for 160°F in the center. If needed, bake longer in 5-minute intervals.

Dry meatloaf:
Avoid lean ground beef. Stick to 80/20 for juicy results. You can also mix in 2 tbsp of milk if your mixture feels dry.

Overloading with ketchup or sauce:
Balance is key. Too much ketchup or BBQ sauce can overpower the meat. Stick to the recipe first time.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This meatloaf is filling enough to stand alone but shines with a few tasty companions:

Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for comfort food heaven

Pair it with roasted green beans, a fresh garden salad, or corn on the cob for balance

For drinks, iced tea or a light beer complement the richness

Slice leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches on toasted buns with pickles and extra cheese

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Refrigerate slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freeze for up to 2 months; wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap

Reheating:

Microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes

For oven: wrap in foil and reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes

Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep it moist

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Just add a tablespoon of olive oil or milk to prevent it from drying out.

2. What kind of breadcrumbs work best?
Plain or seasoned both work. I use plain so I can control the flavors.

3. Can I prep it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix and shape the loaf, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How do I keep it from falling apart?
Make sure to use the right amount of binder (eggs and breadcrumbs). Let it rest after baking.

5. Can I add veggies to the mix?
Yes! Finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or even shredded zucchini blend in nicely.

Tips & Tricks

Use a loaf pan with room on the sides for air circulation

Crumble cooked bacon finely so it blends in without overpowering bites

Don’t press the meat down too hard—it needs a little air for tenderness

Add a tablespoon of mustard for a tangy burger-style kick

Grate your own cheddar for better melting and flavor

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Add 1–2 chopped jalapeños, 1 tsp chili powder, and swap cheddar for pepper jack.

Bake as directed, but top with hot sauce mixed into the barbecue glaze.

2. Low-Carb Version

Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour

Use sugar-free ketchup and barbecue sauce

Skip onions or use green onions for fewer carbs

3. Mini Meatloaves for Quick Meals

Divide the mixture into muffin tins (about 12 portions)

Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes

Great for lunchboxes or portion control

Final Thoughts

That night, we sat around the table longer than usual. Plates were wiped clean, seconds were served, and someone asked if we could have it again next week. No fussing, no bargaining over bites. Just a quiet, satisfied table full of full bellies. That’s rare, and I’ll take it.

Recipes like this don’t stay secret long—especially not in my circle. If it feeds your family and makes dinner feel easy again, why not pass it along?

Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

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Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked bacon crumbled
½ cup onion finely chopped
½ cup ketchup
2 large eggs
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup barbecue sauce optional, for topping

Instructions

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or line a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients—ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, bacon, onion, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
Transfer to the loaf pan and shape into a smooth, even loaf.
Spread barbecue sauce on top if using, for added flavor and glaze.
Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the center reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if the top browns too fast.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and easy to cut.