Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Tastes Like Your Favorite Burger

Craving that juicy, cheesy, satisfying flavor of a classic bacon cheeseburger but need a simple, family-sized dinner that won’t have you flipping patties all night? It’s a common kitchen dilemma: you want the fun, universally loved taste of fast food, but the practicality of a hearty, home-cooked meal.

Often, weeknight dinners fall into a rut. You need something that’s easy to prep, doesn’t require a dozen complicated steps, and will actually get eaten by everyone at the table without complaint. The idea of making individual burgers can feel like a hassle, especially when you’re short on time. You’re looking for that one perfect recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe transforms lean ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese into a moist, tender loaf. It’s a simple, family-friendly dinner that captures all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in one easy, comforting dish. After testing countless variations, we’ve perfected a recipe that’s unbelievably moist, packed with cheesy bacon goodness, and topped with a tangy glaze that tastes just like your favorite burger sauce.

Craving a Burger but Need a Family Dinner? Here’s the Ultimate Mashup

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe is the perfect solution for a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal, transforming lean ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese into a moist, tender loaf. It’s a simple, family-friendly dinner that captures all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in one easy, comforting dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

You’ll love this recipe because it delivers the classic burger experience in an incredibly easy and moist meatloaf format. It’s a reliable, kid-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and even better as leftovers.

• All The Burger Flavor: We pack it with all the essentials—melty cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, savory onion, and a classic ketchup-mustard glaze that brings it all together.
• Incredibly Moist & Tender: Our method, which includes specific binders and a crucial resting step, ensures your meatloaf is never dry or tough.
• Easy Weeknight Meal: With simple steps and common, budget-friendly ingredients, this is a go-to recipe for those busy nights when you need a win.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Slices are fantastic in sandwiches the next day! Imagine a meatloaf sandwich that tastes like a cold cheeseburger—it’s a game-changer.

The Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe (Updated for 2025)

This recipe provides clear, step-by-step instructions to create a flavorful and moist bacon cheeseburger meatloaf. By carefully combining ground beef with binders like eggs and breadcrumbs, seasonings, and classic burger toppings, you’ll bake a perfect loaf topped with a tangy glaze.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, you’ll need a specific set of ingredients to build the classic cheeseburger flavor profile. This includes lean ground beef, binders for moisture, and all the savory and tangy seasonings.

Ingredients for the Meatloaf:
* 2 lbs lean ground beef (93/7 or 90/10 recommended)
* 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
* 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
* 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 tbsp yellow mustard
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Ingredients for the Topping/Glaze:
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 1 tbsp yellow mustard
* 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a sweeter glaze)

Pin this ingredient list for your next grocery run!

2. Step-by-Step Instructions

To cook the meatloaf, you will gently mix the ingredients, form them into a loaf, and bake at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This process involves a two-stage bake: one for the loaf itself and a second, shorter bake after adding the glaze and toppings.

Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the meatloaf out later.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, half of the crumbled bacon, half of the shredded cheddar, diced onion, panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Mix Gently: Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Form the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan and gently shape it into an even loaf.
5. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp mustard, and optional brown sugar.
6. First Bake: Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
7. Add Toppings: Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the remaining glaze over the top. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
8. Final Bake: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (70°C).
9. Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist slice. Use the parchment paper overhangs to lift it out, slice, and serve warm.

Tried the recipe? Leave a rating and let us know what you think!

Pro Tips and Fun Variations for the Best Cheeseburger Meatloaf

To make the best cheeseburger meatloaf, focus on using the right meat-to-fat ratio, avoiding overmixing, and letting the loaf rest before slicing. These key tips, along with fun variations like adding pickles or trying different cheeses, will elevate your meatloaf from good to unforgettable.

1. The Secret to Super Moist Meatloaf (Don’t Skip This!)

The secret to a super moist meatloaf lies in a combination of using ground beef with enough fat, incorporating moisture-rich binders, and handling the meat gently. Don’t skip these critical steps.

1. Choose the Right Meat: Don’t use extra-lean ground beef. A ratio of 90/10 or even 85/15 provides enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful. The fat renders during cooking, basting the meat from the inside out.
2. Add Moisture-Rich Binders: Panko breadcrumbs absorb less liquid than regular breadcrumbs, which helps retain the meat’s natural juices. The mayonnaise in our recipe is a secret weapon; it adds fat, flavor, and a creamy texture that acts as an insurance policy against dryness.
3. DO NOT OVERMIX: This is the most common mistake. Mix the ingredients with your hands only until they are just combined. Overworking the meat develops the proteins (myosin), resulting in a dense, tough, and rubbery texture instead of a tender one.
4. Let It Rest: This is non-negotiable. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking allows the juices, which have moved to the center during cooking, to settle back into the meat. Slicing it too soon will cause all that delicious flavor to run out onto the cutting board.

Save this tip! It’s a game-changer for any meatloaf recipe.

2. Fun Flavor Variations

You can easily customize this recipe by adding mix-ins like pickles or jalapeños, swapping the cheese, or changing the glaze. These simple swaps allow you to tailor the meatloaf to your family’s favorite burger style.

• For a Tangy Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped dill pickles or a few tablespoons of dill pickle relish directly into the meat mixture for that classic burger tang.
• For a Spicy Kick: Swap the sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese and add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) to the mix.
• For a BBQ Bacon Vibe: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the glaze instead of the ketchup-mustard mixture. A smoky BBQ sauce works wonderfully.
• For an Onion Ring Crunch: Top the meatloaf with French-fried onions along with the cheese and bacon during the last 10 minutes of baking for a satisfying crunch.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try Colby jack for a milder flavor, Swiss for a “patty melt” vibe, or even smoked Gouda for a rich, deep flavor profile.

Which variation will you try first? Pin your favorite!

3. Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Yes, this meatloaf is perfect for making ahead of time and stores beautifully in both the refrigerator and freezer. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy delicious leftovers for days.

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire raw meatloaf (without the glaze) in the loaf pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, just add the glaze and increase the initial baking time by about 10 minutes.
• Storing Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Let the baked meatloaf cool completely. You can freeze the entire loaf or individual slices for easy meals later. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave until warmed through. For a crispier texture on the cheese topping, reheat in a 350°F oven, a toaster oven, or an air fryer for a few minutes.

Perfect for meal prep! Pin these storage tips for later.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Use 90/10 Ground Beef: The fat is essential for a moist, flavorful result. Avoid using extra-lean ground beef as it can lead to a dry loaf.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients with your hands only until they are just incorporated to ensure a tender, not tough, texture.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For food safety and perfect results, cook to an internal temperature of 160°F. This takes the guesswork out of baking.
• Rest for 10 Minutes: Always let the cooked meatloaf rest before slicing. This simple step is crucial for keeping it juicy and flavorful.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Block cheese melts better and has a creamier texture than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.

People Also Ask About Cheeseburger Meatloaf

What’s the best burger to use for meatloaf?

The best ground beef for meatloaf is ground chuck, which is typically an 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. For this bacon cheeseburger recipe, where you’re adding extra fat from bacon and cheese, a slightly leaner 90/10 ground beef is also an excellent choice. It provides enough fat for moisture and rich flavor without making the final dish overly greasy.

How do you keep meatloaf from being dry?

To prevent dry meatloaf, use ground beef with adequate fat (like 90/10), add moisture-rich binders like panko breadcrumbs and mayonnaise, and be very careful not to overmix the ingredients. Finally, always let the cooked meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is perfectly moist.

What cheese is good in meatloaf?

Sharp cheddar is the classic and most popular cheese for a cheeseburger meatloaf as it provides a tangy, distinct flavor that stands up to the rich beef. However, other great options include Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier melt, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even smoked Gouda for a deep, smoky flavor.

Can I make individual cheeseburger meatloaves?

Absolutely! To make individual meatloaves, divide the mixture among the cups of a standard muffin tin. Press the mixture down firmly into each cup. You will need to reduce the baking time significantly, to about 20-25 minutes. Add the glaze and toppings for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, and ensure the internal temperature still reaches 160°F. This is a great option for built-in portion control and faster cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is more than just a recipe; it’s pure comfort food that brings the family together. It’s proof that you can have the best of both worlds—the classic, hearty satisfaction of meatloaf and the fun, crave-worthy flavor of a bacon cheeseburger. It’s a guaranteed hit for dinner, and the leftovers make for an incredible sandwich the next day. We can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new staple in your home!

What’s your favorite burger topping that you’d add to this meatloaf? Let us know in the comments below