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If you’re craving the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger but want the comfort of a hearty homemade dinner, this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is the perfect choice. Juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, and a sweet, savory burger-inspired glaze come together in every bite. It’s everything you love about a loaded cheeseburger transformed into a cozy family meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough for Sunday dinner. Serve it hot from the oven with your favorite sides or slice the leftovers for incredible sandwiches the next day.
Why You’ll Love It
Jazz up your next meatloaf with all your favorite cheeseburger flavors – bacon, cheese, dill pickles, and a delicious sweet and tangy glaze on top.
So many cozy flavors: Beef, cheese, bacon, pickles – all those wonderful comfort food ingredients star in this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe.
Really easy to make: You just have to combine the meatloaf ingredients, bake, add the glaze on top and bake some more, and then add the cheese and bake it one more time.
Low carb: This cheeseburger meatloaf hybrid recipe is just like a cheeseburger without the bun. It is perfect for low carb and keto diets.
A new family favorite: Thanks to how easy and tasty this recipe is, it’s likely to become a brand new family favorite.
You might also like Lipton meatloaf, cheeseburger hot pockets, bacon cheeseburger bites or this smoked meatloaf recipe.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Ground beef: I like to use lean ground beef (80/20 or 70/30). I find that fattier ground beef leaches out a lot of liquid during cooking. The other ingredients in this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe keep the beef moist and succulent so using lean is fine. Ground chuck is really flavorful.
Crumbled bacon slices: Always an indulgent and delicious ingredient! Use any kind of bacon you like. I typically choose smoked thick cut bacon. Bacon bits would work too.
Cheddar cheese: For ooey gooey goodness. Used in the meatloaf mixture and as a topping. I prefer sharp cheddar cheese in my meatloaf.
Panko bread crumbs: To help bind the meat mixture. Use plain or seasoned.
Dill pickles: A polarizing ingredient, people either love them or hate them! You can omit them if you’re not keen or add extra if you are.
Ketchup: Adds sweet appeal to the glaze. Use regular or sugar-free ketchup.
Mustard: For a tangy, spicy touch.
Light brown sugar: Adds more sweetness to the glaze. You can use less or omit it if you prefer a more savory taste.
Worcestershire sauce: For a tangy, savory flavor.
How to Make Cheeseburger Meatloaf
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prepare the meatloaf: Combine the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl and press the mixture into a loaf pan. Bake for 30 minutes.
Make the glaze: Combine the ketchup, mustard and brown sugar and spread over the meatloaf. Bake some more.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and bake until the cheese melts.
The finishing touches: Take the meatloaf out of the pan, cool slightly, and top with more bacon and pickle slices, then serve right away with your favorite sides.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko (I love this brand!)
Different meat: You can use ground beef, ground pork, ground turkey, or a combination of different ground meats in this recipe.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Use less sugar: Use sugar-free ketchup, sugar-free mayo, sugar-free dill pickles, and sugar-free mustard.
Another kind of cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is great, or you can use another type of cheese if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizers: Start your meal with buffalo chicken tenders or crackers with green goddess dip.
Side dishes: Garlic bread is always great with meatloaf. You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes either. Add a simple side salad or some veggies too.
Desserts: Treat everyone to snickerdoodle muffins or creme brulee cookies for dessert!
How to Store
Store: Keep leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freeze: This cheeseburger meatloaf with bacon and pickles can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Warm it back up in the oven or in the microwave.
Top Tips
Don’t overmix: Gently mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking the meat mixture can make the meatloaf dense and dry.
Check the temperature: For the juiciest results, cook the meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Let it rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute so each slice stays moist and holds together better.
Great for leftovers: Leftover bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is delicious served cold, reheated, or tucked into a toasted bun with extra cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite burger toppings.
Cheeseburger Loaf FAQs
This ingredient makes the meatloaf extra tasty and also helps keep it moist.
Yes, just swap the ground beef for your preferred vegetarian alternative and omit the bacon (maybe add a splash of liquid smoke to make up for it).
No, you can use regular bread crumbs, or even half regular bread crumbs and half French fried onions if you prefer.
If you prefer, you can use a rimmed baking sheet and form a loaf shape freehand. The results will be very similar. It’s just down to personal preference.
Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 Pounds ground beef
- 8 Slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 Cup cheddar cheese, cut into very small cubes
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ Cup panko breadcrumbs, plain or seasoned
- ½ Cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 Cup mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup ketchup
- ¼ Cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ Teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- pickle slices, to serve
For the Glaze and Toppings
- ½ Cup ketchup
- ¼ Cup mustard
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 Cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine the meatloaf ingredients, but reserve 2 slices of bacon for the top.
- Press evenly in a bread pan. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Combine the ketchup, mustard and brown sugar and spread over the meatloaf. (You can save a little for serving). Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the meatloaf and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the pan and top with the remaining bacon pieces and pickle slices.
Notes
Check the temperature: For the juiciest results, cook the meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Let it rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute so each slice stays moist and holds together better.
Great for leftovers: Leftover bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is delicious served cold, reheated, or tucked into a toasted bun with extra cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite burger toppings.
Nutrition
Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is always a huge hit at the dinner table. It offers all those amazing cheeseburger flavors you know and love in a meatloaf format. This delicious recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables. It’s a great pick for one of those busy weeknights since it’s so quick and simple to prepare.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I loved the tangy sauce and melty cheese—it’s perfect for leftovers on a bun!
Would I sound like a complete glutton if I plan to split the meat layering in half and add a layer of cheese and pickles (plus a mix of ketchup and mustard) in the middle?????
OMG, I cannot wait to make this!
Sounds tasty to me!
The bacon cheeseburger meatloaf was a hit—such a fun twist on the classic!
This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is a game changer! Perfect combo of comfort food flavors.
I love my food extra cheesy. And this one is so meaty and delicious, too!