Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf topped and stuffed with cheddar cheese and bacon is the ultimate meatloaf. Makes amazing sandwiches too.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is one of the first recipes I made for my now husband when we moved in together. It started out from a friend’s recipe who said she saw Paula Deen make it. My friend swore her version was better. One day we had a dinner party and made both versions. My friend’s was better.
Since then the recipe has become a tradition every time we get together for a dinner party. We joke about the caloric content by doing appetizers of celery sticks and carrot sticks followed by a salad and steamed broccoli on the side of the meatloaf. Dessert is always a bowl of berries with slightly sweetened whipped cream.
It used to be such an odd menu and now I can’t eat this meatloaf without wanting a giant bowl of berries.
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is pretty much the most indulgent meatloaf you’re going to meet. The little devil meatloaf on your shoulder saying, “make me, eat me, I’m full of bacon-y cheesy goodness!” I’m not going to lie that little devil meatloaf is right on.
Looking for more meatloaf recipes?
- Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
- Glazed Brown Sugar Meatloaf
- Mini Diner Meatloaf Muffins <— this is a recipe from Cooking Light that we love (my version is coming soon)
Tools used in the making of this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf:
Cast Iron Skillet: This is my most used pan in my kitchen, heavy, keeps heat well and gives the BEST sear ever.
Loaf Pan: Even cooking, looks beautiful and works well to avoid sticking, this pan is inexpensive and lasts for years.
Chef’s Knife: This knife is one of the three most used tools in my kitchen (tongs and my pig tail flipper are the other two). I love it, I’ve had it for almost 10 years and it is as sharp today as the day I got it. (left column, second from the top). Mind you I love it this much even though I have a ridiculously expense knife set as well.
Worcestershire Sauce: Do not leave this out or sub it for anything else, this is a main flavor component and this brand is my absolute go-to.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef 85/15
- 8 ounces bacon cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces medium cheddar divided
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup ketchup divided
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a large loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Shred ¾ of the cheddar and cut the remaining cheddar into ¼ inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, add the beef, ¾ of the bacon, ⅓ of the shredded cheddar, eggs, panko, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Kosher salt, black pepper, 2 tablespoons ketchup and the mustard into a large bowl and mix until just combined (the less mixing the better).
- Put ⅓ of the meatloaf mixture into the bottom of a loaf pan, make a well through the middle with a spoon or your fingers.
- Add the rest of the shredded cheddar (don’t add the cubes), then cover with the remaining meat mixture.
- Spoon on the remaining ketchup and put the loaf pan onto a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatloaf for 60-65 minutes, then let it rest outside the oven for an additional ten minutes.
- Top with the remaining bacon crumbles and the finely diced cheddar cheese and serve.
It was great! I added red onion into the mix along with for garnish. Yum! I would just recommend a bit less salt
Thanks for the feedback, Samantha.
Looking Good
BEST MEATLOAF EVER!! I’m 60 years old and have eaten a lot of meatloaf. This is hands down, the best ever. Rich flavor, moist, soft cheesy center, crisp top. I added finely diced onions, and topped with b-b-q sauce vs. ketchup. Served with baked potatoes and broccoli. I received a “This is REALLY good” compliment ?! And “Is this the first time you’ve made this?”
Aw! I’m so glad it turned out so well! I love hearing it is the best 🙂 Thank you for the review!
Thanks for this recipe! Another great one from your website. Haven’t had a bad one yet, even though I forgot to mix the bacon in until everything was in the loaf pan (I ended up mixing it into the top part) it all came out great. I also used a lower fat percentage and just added a little more mayonnaise and it came out fantastic.
Hey as long as there’s bacon, you know it’s gonna be good, even if it wasn’t mixed in 🙂
This was amazing! My 15 year old son said it’s the best meatloaf ever! Thank you for such a family friendly recipe. Love you blog!
I’m so glad everyone loved it! Thanks for the 5 star rating, Jessica!
I noticed a green garnish, is that parsley or cilantro?
Sorry, always pretty much parsley, I have a terrible habit of garnishing! Haha.
I am having trouble printing your recipe? Can you help me? Thanks
Hi Gayle, I’m so sorry to hear that, not sure where it is failing, it seems to work on my end. I’ll email you the recipe.
Your recipe mentions 1/2 Kosher salt. 1/2 what? Teaspoon, tablespoon?
So sorry about that. Looks like a glitch in the recipe card. It’s supposed to read 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher Salt. I edited it to show correctly so hopefully it sticks. Thank for letting me know.
Am I missing something? Step 5 says not to add the cheese cubes, but I don’t see where they are added. Also, what is “panko”? I definitely want to try this.
I’m so glad you decided to give this a try! Let me help clear up any confusion before you start. For the cheese cubes, you’ll want to add those in step 8 (top the meatloaf with it)….and Panko are store bought light flakey bread crumbs. Hope this helps, enjoy!!
Such a beautiful meatloaf!! Saving this for our next meatloaf night for sure 😀
Thanks Amanda!
OMG that gooey melty cheese in the middle…..
I know, right?!?
I love meatloaf! But your recipe sounds so yummy! Nedd to try it!
Thanks Catalina!
I think that is about the most drool-worthy looking meatloaf I’ve ever seen, YUM!
Thank you!! Wait until you taste it!!
Talk. About. Delicious. I mean seriously, my mouth is watering just from the photos. NEED this in my life!
This is my kind of meatloaf! I have to try this!
Oh man! That is a gorgeous meatloaf!
Thanks Des!
My brother would go nuts for this and I’m passing it on!