There's nothing like the savory aroma of Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf baking in the oven. This hearty twist on the classic meatloaf combines everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger—juicy beef, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and a hint of tangy ketchup—into one mouthwatering dish.

I first tried this recipe when I was looking for a way to elevate my traditional meatloaf. The addition of burger-inspired flavors turned it into an instant family favorite. It’s the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners or even casual gatherings. Ready to make your new go-to meal? Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Get ready to enjoy a dish that combines the nostalgia of a classic cheeseburger with the heartiness of a meatloaf. This recipe is easy to prepare, delicious, and sure to impress.
First, it’s a fantastic time-saver. With just a little prep, this meal bakes itself in the oven, giving you plenty of time to relax or prep sides.
It’s also budget-friendly, made with simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike rave about the cheesy, bacon-filled goodness, making it perfect for picky eaters or gatherings.
Finally, it’s versatile. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or experiment with different flavor combinations.
Ingredients Notes

The key to this dish lies in the balance of flavors and textures from each ingredient. Here’s what you need to know about the stars of the show:
Ground beef is the base of this meatloaf. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and moisture. Too lean, and the loaf might dry out; too fatty, and it may not hold together as well.
Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that elevates the meatloaf from ordinary to extraordinary. Cook it until crisp, then crumble it for easy mixing.
Shredded cheddar cheese gives the dish its signature cheeseburger vibe. Use a sharp cheddar for a bold flavor, or experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf while keeping it tender. Panko works well for a lighter texture, but traditional breadcrumbs are just as effective.
Ketchup and mustard bring the classic burger flavors into the mix. The ketchup adds a touch of sweetness, while the mustard gives a subtle tang.
If you have a loaf pan, it’s perfect for shaping and baking this meatloaf. However, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper works just as well.
How To Make This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Making this dish is as easy as mixing, shaping, and baking. Here’s how to do it:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, cook and crumble the bacon, and set it aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled bacon. Mix everything gently until well combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, so be careful.
Transfer the mixture to your loaf pan or baking sheet and shape it into a loaf. Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top for a sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Bake the meatloaf for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Serve with classic burger sides like fries or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Storage Options
Leftovers are a dream with this recipe! Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or easy lunches.
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.
When reheating, use the oven or air fryer to maintain the meatloaf’s juicy texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but might dry it out slightly.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly customizable to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
For a lower-carb option, swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
If you’re avoiding beef, ground turkey or chicken makes an excellent substitute. Just note that they’re leaner, so adding a splash of olive oil can help keep the meatloaf moist.
Want to take the cheeseburger flavor up a notch? Add diced pickles or a dash of pickle juice to the mix for a tangy punch.
For a smoky barbecue twist, replace the ketchup glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Experiment with different cheese options to keep things interesting—smoked gouda or blue cheese crumbles are great choices.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is everything you love about a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, easy-to-make package. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Give it a try and let me know how you customize it—your perfect version might just become a new household tradition!
PrintBacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe combines the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the heartiness of meatloaf. It's loaded with bacon, cheese, and a perfect blend of spices for a comforting meal everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked bacon and smoked cheddar.
- Top the meatloaf with extra ketchup or barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅙ of loaf)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Leave a Reply