Quick & Juicy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Crafting the ultimate BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatloaf requires culinary imagination and bold flavor combinations.

Passionate home cooks know this dish merges classic comfort with unexpected excitement.

Juicy ground beef gets an incredible upgrade through smoky bacon and melted cheese.

Tangy barbecue sauce creates a delicious glaze that seals in rich, savory notes.

Every slice promises a mouthwatering experience that connects traditional meatloaf with burger-inspired creativity.

Carnivores will appreciate the robust blend of ingredients that elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

You can’t wait to slice into this incredible meal that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Why BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Is Great

• Craft a Stress-Free Dessert: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Elevate Family Gatherings: The warm, comforting cobbler creates an irresistible centerpiece that brings everyone together, sparking joy and conversation around the table.
• Transform Basic Ingredients: Using pantry staples like flour, sugar, and milk, you can create a magical dessert that feels like a gourmet treat without complicated steps or expensive components.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: The unique water-pouring technique creates a self-saucing wonder that looks and tastes much more complex than the straightforward preparation suggests.

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and substantial texture for the meatloaf.
• Bacon: Crispy and smoky meat that adds depth and a savory crunch to the dish.
• Egg: A binding ingredient that helps hold the meatloaf together and ensures a cohesive texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that brings a tangy and creamy element to the meatloaf.

• Bread Crumbs: A dry ingredient that helps absorb moisture and create a tender meatloaf.
• Onion: A aromatic vegetable that adds sweetness and complexity to the overall flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy condiment that provides a glossy, flavorful glaze on top of the meatloaf.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the meat's natural flavors.

How to Make BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C), getting ready for some serious meatloaf magic.

Step 2: Mix Mega Flavors

• Ground beef
• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Bread crumbs
• Diced onion
• Beaten egg
• Salt and pepper

Use your hands to blend everything together until perfectly combined.

Don’t be afraid to get messy!

Step 3: Shape the Flavor Bomb

Mold the meat mixture into a hearty loaf shape.

Transfer the loaf into a greased baking pan, making sure it’s snug and secure.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Generously slather BBQ sauce across the top of the meatloaf, creating a tangy and glossy coating that will make mouths water.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 60-70 minutes.

The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160F and looks golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Pull the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and delectable. Slice and serve hot, watching everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Handy Tips for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Drain excess bacon grease to prevent a greasy meatloaf and ensure a perfect texture.
• Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for optimal moisture and flavor balance.
• Mix ingredients gently to avoid dense, tough meatloaf; overmixing can make the meat tough.
• Top with extra crispy bacon bits before serving for added crunch and smoky flavor.
• Allow meatloaf to rest completely before slicing to help it hold its shape and retain juices.

Alternative Versions of BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Southwest Spice Meatloaf: Replace BBQ sauce with salsa, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Italian Herb Meatloaf: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, mix in Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and top with marinara sauce instead of BBQ sauce.
• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the meat mixture, replace cheddar with Swiss cheese, and drizzle with a light mushroom gravy before serving.
• Mediterranean Lamb Meatloaf: Use ground lamb instead of beef, add feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like mint and oregano, then finish with a tzatziki sauce drizzle.

Serving Ideas for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Backyard Burger Plate: Slice meatloaf and serve with crispy french fries, coleslaw, and extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Sandwich Style Feast: Cut thick slices and place between toasted brioche buns. Top with additional crispy bacon strips, lettuce, and a dollop of tangy mayo for a hearty sandwich experience.
• Comfort Dinner Bowl: Crumble meatloaf over creamy mashed potatoes. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and chopped green onions. Drizzle warm BBQ sauce for a comforting one-bowl meal that combines all the classic burger flavors.

Best Ways to Store BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Slice the cooled meatloaf and place individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed meatloaf in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying and ensure even heating. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Is this meatloaf low in calories?

No, this meatloaf is a hearty, indulgent dish with bacon, ground beef, and cheese, making it higher in calories and best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Ground turkey tends to be leaner and might result in a less juicy meatloaf.

• What type of BBQ sauce works best?

A tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce like Kansas City-style or Memphis-style sauce complements the bacon and cheese perfectly. Choose a sauce you enjoy for the best flavor.

Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic comfort food with backyard grill flavors. Hearty ingredients meld into a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (60 g) bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup (75 g) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (75 g) onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) pepper
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine ground beef with crispy crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, diced onion, beaten egg, and savory seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Gently shape the meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Transfer the formed loaf into a lightly greased rectangular baking pan, creating a smooth, compact surface.
4. Generously drizzle tangy BBQ sauce across the entire top of the meatloaf, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
5. Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the meatloaf to roast for approximately 60-70 minutes.
6. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the meat appears fully cooked with no pink centers.
7. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and makes slicing easier.
8. Slice into thick, hearty portions and serve hot, garnishing with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier alternative that reduces fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Crush gluten-free crackers instead of bread crumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add extra smoky depth by mixing different BBQ sauce varieties or incorporating a splash of liquid smoke during preparation.
• Slice and store leftovers in airtight containers for quick meal prep, reheating beautifully in the microwave or oven for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg