If you love bacon cheeseburgers and hearty home-cooked dinners, this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is about to become your new favorite recipe. It combines everything you crave from a classic burger — seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and rich flavor — all baked into one juicy, sliceable loaf.
This isn’t your average meatloaf. It’s thicker, cheesier, and packed with bold burger-inspired flavor in every bite. The inside stays tender and moist, while the outside develops a delicious golden crust. Then it’s topped with melty cheese and crispy bacon for that unmistakable bacon cheeseburger finish.
It’s the perfect comfort meal for family dinners, meal prep, or when you simply want something warm and satisfying. Easy to prepare and incredibly filling, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create big, unforgettable flavor.
Once you try it, plain meatloaf will never feel the same again.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This recipe is a crowd favorite because it’s:
- Juicy and tender
- Loaded with melted cheese
- Topped with crispy bacon
- Packed with burger flavor
- Easy to make
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Great for leftovers
It tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger, but in comforting meatloaf form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6–8 slices bacon
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
Seasonings and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Optional pickle relish
Simple pantry ingredients create bold, classic flavor.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
Step 2 – Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix gently until just combined.
Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Step 3 – Add the Cheese
Fold in shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
This ensures cheesy goodness in every slice.
Step 4 – Shape the Loaf
Form the mixture into a loaf shape on the tray.
Press gently to hold its shape.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes until mostly cooked.
Step 6 – Add Bacon and Cheese
Top with bacon slices and extra cheese.
Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until bacon is crispy and cheese is melted.
Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Step 7 – Rest and Slice
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
This keeps the juices inside.
Serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
Use ground beef with some fat for better flavor.
Don’t pack the loaf too tightly.
Let it rest before cutting.
Cook bacon slightly first for extra crispness.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
Add a little sauce on top for extra moisture.
Flavor Variations to Try
You can easily customize this recipe.
Add chopped pickles for burger flavor.
Mix in barbecue sauce.
Use pepper jack cheese for spice.
Add sautéed mushrooms.
Try turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add caramelized onions for sweetness.
Each version creates a delicious twist.
What to Serve with Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This dish pairs well with many sides.
Serve with mashed potatoes.
Add roasted vegetables.
Pair with fries or wedges.
Serve with salad or coleslaw.
Add garlic bread for extra comfort.
It’s a complete meal on its own.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave.
It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Great for meal prep lunches and quick dinners.
Final Thoughts
Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf takes classic comfort food to the next level. Juicy beef, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon combine to create a rich, savory dish that’s impossible to resist. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and packed with all the flavors you love from a cheeseburger.
Perfect for family meals or cozy nights at home, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort. One slice is never enough.
Cheesy, smoky, and unbelievably comforting — the ultimate homemade dinner favorite.