Description
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting texture of a meatloaf. Made with lean ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, it is baked to perfection and topped with a tangy secret sauce that mimics a cheeseburger’s condiments. This hearty dish serves 8 and is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs Lean Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 2 Large Eggs
- 8 Slices Cooked Bacon, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- Generous Pinch Salt and Pepper
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Secret Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
- 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Dill Pickles
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your meatloaf.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, whole milk, eggs, chopped cooked bacon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined to avoid overworking the meat which can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf approximately 10 inches long and 2.5 inches thick, then place it on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil that has been greased to prevent sticking.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing it to cook evenly.
- Add Cheese: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Prepare Secret Sauce: While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, finely chopped dill pickles, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Once the meatloaf is cooked and cheese is melted, remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve with the tangy secret sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess grease.
- Chilling the secret sauce helps the flavors to meld together better.
- You can cook the bacon in advance or use store-bought cooked bacon for convenience.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Make sure not to over-mix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
