Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe – A Family Hit

My weekend family dinner has a mouthwatering BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatloaf that promises serious comfort food satisfaction.

Juicy ground beef mingles with smoky bacon and melted cheese for an epic meal.

Sharp cheddar adds incredible depth to each hearty slice.

Crispy bacon bits scattered throughout create irresistible texture and flavor.

Tangy barbecue sauce glazes the top, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

Bold ingredients combine in one incredible dish that feels like a burger and meatloaf had an incredible culinary love child.

Grab a fork and dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Impresses

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic burger flavors into a hearty meatloaf that satisfies meat lovers and family members craving something deliciously different.
• Quick Prep Magic: Combines simple ingredients in one bowl, requiring minimal chopping and mixing, making dinner preparation smooth and stress-free for busy home cooks.
• Flavor Explosion: Packs incredible taste with bacon, cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal that elevates traditional meatloaf to gourmet levels.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings, offering a protein-packed dish that appeals to both adults and kids with its familiar, comforting taste profile.

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this flavorful meatloaf.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy texture to enhance the overall taste.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and keeps the meatloaf moist.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides structure and helps absorb moisture in the meatloaf.

• Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp and creamy element to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper: Creates a depth of savory flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds aromatic and savory undertones to the dish.

• BBQ Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes during baking.

How to Make BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create the Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until ingredients are perfectly blended and dancing with flavor.

Step 3: Fold in Tasty Extras

• Crumbled crispy bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Make sure these delicious add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Step 4: Shape and Prepare

Form the meat mixture into a beautiful, rustic loaf shape.

Transfer to a baking dish with care.

Step 5: Sauce It Up

Generously brush the top of the meatloaf with tangy BBQ sauce, creating a glossy, mouthwatering coating.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let it cook for 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe and delicious point.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.

Slice and serve to hungry guests.

Tips to Boost BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Flavor

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter meatloaf texture.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties to customize the flavor profile and add personal flair.
• Crumble bacon extra fine for more even distribution throughout the meatloaf, ensuring bacon in every bite.
• Allow meatloaf to rest completely before slicing to help it maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.

Flavorful Twists That Work with BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Replace bread crumbs with grated cauliflower, perfect for keto dieters seeking a lighter option.
• Turkey Bacon Ranch Meatloaf: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey, use turkey bacon, and add ranch seasoning for a healthier alternative.
• Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils, use plant-based cheese, and add extra herbs for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Almond Flour Meatloaf: Use almond flour instead of bread crumbs, ensuring a gluten-free meal for those with dietary restrictions.

Side Dishes That Complement BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Backyard BBQ Showstopper: Slice this meatloaf and serve it with grilled corn on the cob and crispy potato wedges for a classic summer feast that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Comfort Food Dinner Plate: Pair the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Leftover Lunch Hero: Transform cold slices into gourmet sandwiches by adding fresh lettuce, tomato, and extra BBQ sauce between toasted bread for a quick and delicious next-day lunch.
• Movie Night Appetizer Twist: Cut into bite-sized cubes, skewer with toothpicks, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for an irresistible game day or movie night snack that disappears fast.

How to Preserve BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Freshness

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze meatloaf for up to 2-3 months, ensuring it's completely cooled before placing in freezer-safe containers.
• Reheat refrigerated meatloaf by placing slices in a baking dish, covering with foil, and warming in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Microwave individual slices on medium power for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out.
• Thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using oven or microwave methods.

FAQs

• Can I use different ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

• Is it okay to skip the bacon?

While bacon adds a rich flavor, you can omit it if needed. Consider adding extra cheese or herbs to maintain moisture and taste.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked through. The meat should no longer be pink in the center.

• Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?

You can mix the ingredients and shape the meatloaf a day in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to cooking time if going from cold to hot.

Easy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic comfort food with bold burger flavors. Cheese, bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce create a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 4 slices bacon

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg

Seasonings and Binders:

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with bread crumbs, whisking the egg to bind the ingredients together.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, blending thoroughly without overmixing.
4. Fold in crispy crumbled bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, distributing evenly throughout the meat mixture.
5. Carefully mold the seasoned meat into a compact, uniform loaf shape, ensuring consistent thickness for balanced cooking.
6. Transfer the formed loaf to a rectangular baking dish, creating slight space around the edges for heat circulation.
7. Generously brush the entire surface with tangy BBQ sauce, creating a glossy, caramelized coating.
8. Slide the prepared meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
9. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
10. Slice into hearty portions and serve immediately, garnishing with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

• Add extra crispy bacon on top for enhanced crunch and smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for healthier or vegetarian options without losing rich taste profile.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe completely gluten-free while maintaining the classic meatloaf texture.
• Consider low-sodium BBQ sauce and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version that still delivers incredible comfort food satisfaction.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg