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This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf transforms your favorite burger flavors into a comforting, family-style dinner that brings everyone to the table. The combination of savory beef, melty cheese pockets, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible meal that satisfies those burger cravings without the bun.
I first made this meatloaf when my picky eaters were complaining about "boring dinner" again. The bacon and cheese completely won them over, and now it's requested at least twice a month in our house. Sometimes I even make two at once so we have plenty of leftovers.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: forms the hearty base but still has enough fat to keep things juicy
- Dill pickle relish: adds that classic burger tanginess that brightens the rich meat
- Crispy fried onions: provide flavor and texture without the harshness of raw onion
- Panko bread crumbs: keep the texture light rather than dense and heavy
- Sharp cheddar in small cubes: creates pockets of melty cheese throughout
- Bacon: both inside and layered on top delivers smoky flavor and crispy texture
- Worcestershire sauce: adds depth and umami that enhances the meaty flavor
- Smoke flavor: intensifies the backyard burger experience even from your oven
- Ketchup glaze: caramelizes on top for that sweet tangy finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients:
- Drain most of the liquid from your pickle relish to prevent a soggy meatloaf. Cube your cheese rather than shredding it to create those wonderful melty pockets throughout the finished loaf. Have your bacon ready with some cut into pieces and some left whole for the top.
- Mix the base gently:
- Combine ground beef, pickle relish, fried onions, eggs, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoke flavor in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together but work lightly. Overmixing will make your meatloaf tough rather than tender.
- Add the special additions:
- Cut six bacon strips into pieces using kitchen scissors and gently fold them into your meat mixture. This internal bacon will render as it cooks, adding flavor throughout. Next, carefully fold in the cheese cubes, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Form and top:
- Shape the mixture into a loaf form and place it in a 9x13 baking pan lined with foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the remaining whole bacon strips across the top of the loaf, slightly overlapping them for complete coverage as they will shrink during cooking.
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F on a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked. While it's baking, mix your glaze ingredients together.
- Finish with glaze:
- When the meatloaf reaches temperature, brush the surface with your ketchup glaze mixture. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the bacon on top crisps to perfection.
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The dill pickle relish is actually my secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I was out of onions one day and decided to add pickles instead. That tangy zip completely transforms the flavor profile and gives it that authentic burger taste that my family goes crazy for. Now I wouldn't dream of making it any other way.
Make-Ahead Options
This meatloaf can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare everything as directed but instead of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then proceed with the baking instructions. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you can prep on Sunday for an easy Monday dinner.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover meatloaf keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, slice the cooled meatloaf and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Meatloaf sandwiches made with the leftovers might actually be better than the original dinner. Try a slice between sourdough bread with extra cheese and grilled until melty.
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Variations to Try
If you want to customize this meatloaf to your family's tastes, there are several easy swaps you can make. Ground turkey can replace beef for a lighter option, though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also incorporate different condiments into the meat mixture like mustard or BBQ sauce to change the flavor profile completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked to 165°F.
- → How do I keep the meatloaf moist?
To retain moisture, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Additionally, the bacon layer prevents the loaf from drying out during cooking.
- → Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add the glaze just before baking for best results.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.