Tasty Cheesy Meatloaf Bacon

Juicy ground beef meets crispy bacon and melty cheddar in this tasty meatloaf that brings together classic hamburger flavors in an easy-to-make form. The spiced mixture with finely chopped onions, pickles, and garlic gives you that real burger feel, while the sweet-spicy glaze adds a caramelized touch to the dish. It's a hearty family meal that'll definitely make everyone at the table happy.

Ingredients List

For the meatloaf

• 1 pound ground beef: this forms the juicy base of the dish
• 2 ounces breadcrumbs: helps hold everything together for the right texture
• 1/4 cup milk: keeps the meatloaf nice and moist
• 1/4 cup ketchup: adds a bit of sweetness and umami depth
• 2 ounces finely chopped onion: provides basic aromatic notes
• 2 ounces finely chopped pickles: brings that typical burger freshness
• 2 minced garlic cloves: boosts the savory flavor
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: adds a complex spicy note
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: brings out all the flavors
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: adds a light kick
• 4 bacon slices: wrap the loaf with smoky flavor
• 2 ounces grated cheddar: melts into a delicious crust

The quality of ground meat makes a big difference in this dish. I suggest using fresh ground beef with about 15-20% fat content. That gives you the best balance between juiciness and structure. Pickles are a surprising but key ingredient that gives the meatloaf that signature cheeseburger flavor.

For the glaze

• 1/4 cup ketchup: forms the tomato base
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: allows for caramelization and shine
• 1 tablespoon mustard: provides a spicy kick

The glaze might seem simple, but it's the finishing touch that makes this dish special. During cooking, the brown sugar lightly caramelizes and creates a tasty crust, while the mustard brings a nice tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the ketchup.

Preparation Steps

Getting Ready

Heat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks. Get all your ingredients together and finely chop the vegetables. Making sure everything is chopped small is important because big chunks might cause your meatloaf to fall apart when you slice it.

Mix Everything Up

Put the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, finely chopped onion, chopped pickles, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a big bowl. With clean hands, mix everything together well, but don't overwork it or your meatloaf will end up tough. You want everything evenly combined throughout the mixture.

Pin it

Shape It

Form the meat mixture into an even loaf and put it in your prepared pan. Smooth the top and sides with your hands to get an even shape. The loaf should be about 2 inches tall and spread evenly in the pan so it cooks the same all the way through.

Wrap With Bacon

Lay the bacon slices overlapping on top of the meatloaf, covering the whole surface. Tuck the ends under the loaf so they don't curl up during cooking. The bacon should be cut as thin as possible so it gets nicely crisp as it cooks.

Add Cheese

Spread the grated cheddar evenly over the bacon. It'll melt while cooking and create a yummy crust that gives your meatloaf that special cheeseburger touch. A sharp, aged cheddar works really well because it has a stronger flavor.

Make And Apply The Glaze

Mix the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard in a small bowl until you get a smooth glaze. Spread the glaze evenly over the cheese-topped meatloaf. The glaze not only makes the meatloaf taste good but also makes it look more appetizing.

Cooking Time

Bake the meatloaf in your preheated oven for about 1 hour, until the inside temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer and the bacon is crispy and golden. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, you can brush the surface with the juices from the pan to make the flavor even better.

Rest And Serve

Take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This lets the juices spread evenly through the meat and stops the loaf from falling apart when you cut it. Slice with a sharp knife and serve right away.

What To Serve With It

This tasty bacon cheeseburger meatloaf goes with lots of different sides and becomes the star of any meal. It's really good with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all the cooking juices. For a complete burger experience, crispy oven potatoes or homemade fries are perfect.

For a lighter option, a crunchy mixed salad with honey-mustard dressing offers a fresh contrast to the hearty meatloaf. For a family dinner, roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots or green beans can round out the plate.

Leftovers are perfect for making sandwiches the next day. Just put a slice between two pieces of bread with some mayo, mustard and fresh lettuce leaves for a delicious lunch.

Ways To Change It Up

This flexible meatloaf can be easily adapted to different taste preferences. For a Mexican version, you can mix jalapeños, corn and cumin into the meat mixture. Instead of cheddar, a spicy cheese like pepper jack works great for the crust.

You can make a Mediterranean version by adding dried tomatoes, olives and oregano to the ground meat. For the cheese, a mild mozzarella or tangy feta are perfect choices.

For a lighter version, the ground beef can be swapped for ground turkey. If you do this, it's good to use more seasonings since turkey naturally has a milder taste.

Storage Tips

The bacon cheeseburger meatloaf keeps in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm individual slices either in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a pan by briefly browning them on both sides.

This dish can also be frozen. To do this, cut the cooled meatloaf into individual portions, wrap them in plastic wrap then in aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above.

Cooking Tips

• For an extra juicy meatloaf: don't overmix the meat, just combine everything until the ingredients are well distributed
• A meat thermometer: is the most reliable way to determine the perfect cooking time
• Cooking the meatloaf on a rack: above a pan allows excess fat to drain away
• For a crispier bacon wrapper: turn on the broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking, but watch it closely

Finding this recipe has made our family meals better. What started as an experiment to transform burger flavors into a more practical form has now become something my kids regularly ask for. They especially love the combo of crispy bacon and melted cheese, while I enjoy how simple it is to make. Try this recipe and see how classic cheeseburger taste comes alive in an impressive new form!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I mix different types of ground meat?

Definitely! Combine beef and pork for extra tenderness. Just beef will work too, giving it more of a burger flavor. Ensure the internal temp reaches 70°C when mixing meats.

→ How can I keep the meatloaf from drying out?

Don’t overmix the meat. Add some milk or ketchup to maintain moisture, pick a meat with 15–20% fat, and let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking so the juices settle.

→ Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead?

Sure can! Prep the meat mix 24 hours ahead and chill. Add bacon and cheese right before baking. Cooked slices can also be frozen for quick meals.

→ Is there an alternative to breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can swap them out for crumbled crackers, oats, panko, or soaked bread. Use the same amount to keep the texture right.

→ What sides pair well with this?

Go with classics like mashed or roasted potatoes, or fries. You can also try burger buns, coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a simple salad for balance.

→ Can I swap out the glaze?

Of course! Try BBQ sauce, a maple mustard combo, or a spicy tomato sauce. Or just melt cheese on top for a cheesier option.