Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bacon Cheddar

This cheeseburger meatloaf brings the best parts of a backyard burger night right to your dinner table. Packed with juicy beef, melty cheese, bacon, and a tangy ketchup glaze, it transforms a simple weeknight into something special. If you want something that tastes like both comfort and celebration, this is the dish.

I tested this recipe after a long week craving familiar comfort food and my entire family could not get enough of it. Now it is on regular rotation when we need a crowd pleaser on a chilly night.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: helps create a juicy flavorful meatloaf choose fresh and not too lean for tender results
• Breadcrumbs: help bind everything and keep it light use fresh or panko for best texture
• Ketchup: brings signature burger tang and sweetness always opt for a thicker variety for glaze
• Mustard: adds zip and builds that cheeseburger taste I go for classic yellow
• Worcestershire sauce: deepens the umami and rounds out the flavor just a splash does the trick
• Finely chopped onion: adds sweet aroma and moisture pick firm onions with tight skins
• Large eggs: bind everything together and add richness fresh is best
• Salt and pepper: to balance every bite use flaky kosher salt if possible
• Shredded cheddar cheese: for melt and bold flavor always shred your own from the block if you can
• Cooked crumbled bacon: for smoky richness look for thicker cut bacon for the best bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Get your oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for an easy lift out

Mix Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef breadcrumbs ketchup mustard Worcestershire sauce onion eggs salt and pepper Use your hands or a sturdy spoon and mix until just combined so the meat stays tender

First Layer:

Press half the meat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your loaf pan Make sure it is level from edge to edge for even cooking

Add Filling:

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and all the crumbled bacon evenly over the bottom meat layer This creates a gooey cheesy pocket

Complete Assembly:

Pat the remaining meat mixture gently on top and press the edges down to seal the cheese and bacon inside Pinch seams so nothing leaks

Glaze and Bake:

Generously brush ketchup over the top for a shiny tangy glaze Bake the loaf for about 60 minutes until the top is deep golden and a thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the center

Rest and Serve:

Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing This keeps the juices stable and slices neat

Pin

I absolutely love the way the cheddar melts into the middle making every single bite wonderfully gooey On the first chilly evening after school starts my kids gather around and request this meatloaf for dinner—it is always gone by the next day

Storage Tips

Store cooled leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of water to retain moisture For longer storage wrap individual portions snugly and freeze for up to one month

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist Pepper jack or Swiss cheese also works in the filling If you are out of Worcestershire sauce add a dash of soy sauce and a tiny pinch of brown sugar

Serving Suggestions

Pair this meatloaf with classic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables Extra ketchup or even a simple burger sauce on the side makes it extra fun Mini slices also work perfectly tucked into sandwiches for lunch the next day

Cultural and Historical Context

Meatloaf is pure comfort food rooted in thrift and American ingenuity Combining it with classic cheeseburger flavors is a nod to midwestern diner culture where hearty crowd pleasers rule the table

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of ground beef works best?

A blend with 80% lean ground beef strikes the best balance between flavor and juiciness for this dish.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Yes, try swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss for a new twist.

→ How do I prevent my loaf from falling apart?

Binding ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs help keep the loaf firm and easy to slice after resting.

→ What's the purpose of the ketchup glaze?

The glaze adds tangy sweetness and keeps the meat moist as it bakes.

→ Can it be made ahead?

Yes, assemble in advance and bake later, or refrigerate leftovers for an easy meal.