In a large bowl, combine:
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Ground beef
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Bacon crumbles
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Shredded cheddar
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Breadcrumbs
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Onion
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Eggs
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Milk
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Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, or the meatloaf may become dense.
Step 4: Shape the Loaf
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet (or in the loaf pan).
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Ketchup
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Brown sugar
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Worcestershire sauce
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Mustard
Spread half the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
Step 7: Add Final Glaze
Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze over the top, and return to the oven for 15–20 more minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 8: Rest & Slice
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside and gives clean slices.
Texture & Flavor Profile
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Inside: Juicy, cheesy, smoky beef
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Top: Sticky, tangy glaze with caramelized edges
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Every bite: Bacon-forward, savory, comforting
It tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, but fork-friendly.
Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
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Use 80/20 ground beef for moisture
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Finely chop onions so they melt into the meat
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Let it rest before slicing
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Drain bacon well to avoid grease
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Don’t overbake—use a thermometer if possible
Easy Variations You’ll Love
🧀 Extra Cheesy
Add cubes of cheddar or mozzarella inside the loaf.
🥓 Bacon-Wrapped Version
Wrap the loaf in raw bacon strips before baking.
🌶️ Spicy Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
🍄 Mushroom Bacon Meatloaf
Add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for extra juiciness.
🍔 Big Mac Style
Add diced pickles and a little mayo-mustard blend to the glaze.
What to Serve With Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
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Mashed potatoes
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Oven fries or wedges
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Green beans
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Corn on the cob
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Simple salad or coleslaw
This meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic American sides.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
Make Ahead
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Assemble the loaf up to 24 hours in advance
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Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake
Storage
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Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days
Reheating
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Oven: 325°F, covered, until warm
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Microwave: Reheat slices gently
Freezing
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Freeze baked or unbaked meatloaf up to 2 months
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Thaw overnight before reheating or baking
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, but add extra cheese and a bit of oil to keep it moist.
Can I skip breadcrumbs?
You can substitute crushed crackers or oats.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely—kids love the cheeseburger flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
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Bacon adds fat and smokiness
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Cheese locks in moisture
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Breadcrumbs keep the loaf tender
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The glaze balances savory richness
It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect Occasions for This Dish
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Family dinners
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Sunday meals
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Potlucks
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Meal prep
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Comfort food cravings
SEO Keywords Naturally Included
Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, cheesy bacon meatloaf, bacon cheddar meatloaf recipe, comfort food meatloaf, oven baked meatloaf.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is bold, juicy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting. It brings together the flavors of a backyard burger and the warmth of a home-cooked meal in one unforgettable dish.
🔥 Save it, bake it, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds.
