Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with a Flavor Twist (Print version)

Juicy bacon cheeseburger meatloaf with cheddar, pickles, and a tangy smoky glaze that tastes like burger night baked into one easy loaf.

# Ingredients:

For the meatloaf

01 - 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
02 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk
03 - 1 lb (450 g) 80/20 ground beef
04 - 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
05 - 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped, divided
06 - 1 1/4 cups (140 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
07 - 1/3 cup (50 g) finely diced yellow onion
08 - 1/3 cup (45 g) chopped dill pickles, patted dry
09 - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
10 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the smoky burger glaze

15 - 1/3 cup (80 g) ketchup
16 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
17 - 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
18 - 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
19 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

For serving

20 - Extra dill pickle slices, optional
21 - Shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
02 - In a large bowl, stir the panko and milk together. Let it stand for 3-5 minutes so the crumbs hydrate.
03 - Add the ground beef, ground pork, about three quarters of the bacon, 1 cup cheddar, onion, pickles, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
04 - Shape the mixture into a 9x4-inch loaf on the prepared baking sheet, or press it lightly into the loaf pan. Do not pack it tightly.
05 - Stir together the ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, pickle juice, and smoked paprika. Brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
06 - Bake for 40 minutes. Brush with the remaining glaze, sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and bacon, and bake 15-20 minutes more, until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
07 - Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes if desired.

# Good to know:

01 - For clean slices, rest the loaf for a full 10 minutes before cutting.
02 - A rimmed baking sheet gives more browned edges than a loaf pan.
03 - Nutrition is an estimate per serving.

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