Bacon-Loaded Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This meatloaf takes all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger and bakes them into one hearty, family-friendly dish. Stuffed with cheese and wrapped in a bacon lattice, it’s juicy, smoky, and perfect for burger night—without the bun.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
· 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
· 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
· ½ cup whole milk
· 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
· 2 tbsp ketchup
· 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tsp smoked paprika
· 1 tsp dried oregano
· 1 tsp salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
· 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices), plus more for topping
For the Bacon Lattice & Glaze:
· 8–10 slices bacon (thin-cut works best for weaving)
· ½ cup ketchup
· 2 tbsp brown sugar
· 1 tbsp yellow mustard
· 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
For Serving (Optional):
· Sliced pickles, diced onion, shredded lettuce, extra cheese
· French fries or mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Prep & Soak Breadcrumbs:
· Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper (or use a 9×5-inch loaf pan for a more traditional shape).
· In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
· In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.
· Fold in shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
- Form & Add Bacon Lattice:
· Shape the mixture into a loaf about 9×5 inches on the prepared baking sheet (for better browning and bacon crisping).
· Weave the bacon slices into a lattice pattern wide enough to cover the top and sides of the loaf. Drape it over the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath.
- Bake:
· Bake for 45 minutes.
- Make the Glaze & Finish Baking:
· While baking, mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar in a small bowl.
· After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the glaze evenly over the bacon lattice.
· Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is crisp.
· If bacon isn’t crispy enough, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Rest & Serve:
· Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
· Serve with classic burger toppings: extra pickles, diced onion, shredded lettuce, and a side of fries or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Variations
· Don’t overmix—handle the meat gently to avoid a dense texture.
· For extra smokiness, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the meat mixture or use smoked cheddar.
· Make it spicy by adding 1 tsp chili powder or ½ tsp cayenne to the mix, or use pepper jack cheese.
· Shortcut: Use pre-cooked bacon pieces in the loaf and skip the lattice—just drape bacon slices on top.
· Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
· Leftovers make amazing sandwiches the next day.
Enjoy this hearty, flavor-packed twist on two American classics—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or weekend gathering!