Tasty Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
All the juicy, cheesy, savory goodness of a bacon cheeseburger—made into a hearty, comforting meatloaf
If you love cheeseburgers loaded with bacon, sharp cheddar, and pickle relish, you’re going to adore this meatloaf. It takes all those iconic burger flavors and layers them into a moist, flavorful meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, tangy, and savory.
Ingredients
→ Meatloaf Base
1/2 cup dill pickle relish, drained
2 pounds lean ground beef
1/4 cup crispy fried onions (or substitute 2 tbsp onion flakes or 1 tsp onion powder)
2 eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoke flavor (liquid smoke or smoked paprika)
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, diced
16 slices uncooked bacon, divided
Instructions
1. Prepare Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet or loaf pan with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, dill pickle relish, crispy fried onions (or your chosen substitute), eggs, panko breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoke flavor. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape and Fill
Divide the mixture into two portions. Press one half into a loaf shape on the baking sheet or into the loaf pan.
Evenly scatter the diced sharp cheddar cheese over the first layer, then cover with the remaining meat mixture, gently pressing it over the cheese to enclose it.
4. Wrap in Bacon
Lay 8 slices of uncooked bacon across the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping. Then tuck the ends underneath the loaf to secure them.
5. Bake and Add More Bacon
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove from the oven and carefully lay the remaining 8 slices of bacon around the sides of the loaf or on top for extra bacon coverage.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 35–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is crisp.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute for moist, tender slices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Add a side of tangy coleslaw or a crisp green salad for freshness.
Top with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger sauce to really bring out the cheeseburger vibe.
Tips & Variations
Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Add a smoky BBQ glaze on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a sweet-savory finish.
Mix in some finely chopped cooked bacon into the meat mixture for even more bacon flavor.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it allergy-friendly.
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf brings all the comfort and indulgence of a classic cheeseburger, plus the crispy bacon blanket that makes it truly special. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or whenever you crave that delicious bacon cheeseburger taste in a new, hearty way.