Looking to elevate your meatloaf game? This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mashup that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Imagine all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger, complete with smoky bacon and gooey melted cheese, baked into a hearty meatloaf. This dish is perfect for those who love the classic American cheeseburger but want something a little different for dinner. The addition of BBQ sauce brings a tangy, smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the savory beef and bacon, while the melted cheese adds a layer of creamy richness. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a special weekend meal. Serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Let’s get started on creating this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, diced onions, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape and Add BBQ Sauce: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Brush the top with a generous amount of BBQ sauce.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Add Cheese: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top and let it melt to a gooey perfection.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
How to Prepare:
- Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. This can be done ahead of time to save on preparation.
- Mixing: Ensure the ground beef mixture is not over-mixed, as this can make the meatloaf dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Shaping: For even cooking, make sure the meatloaf is shaped uniformly. Press gently into the loaf pan without packing it too tightly.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings:
Serves 6-8 people.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
- Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What other toppings can I add? Try adding sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or even a slice of tomato on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this meatloaf freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- What sides go well with this meatloaf? Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a simple green salad make great side dishes to accompany this flavorful meatloaf.
Conclusion:
This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a surefire way to bring excitement back to your dinner table. With its juicy, flavorful beef, the smoky bite of bacon, and the tangy kick of BBQ sauce, it’s a dish that will delight both kids and adults alike. The melted cheese adds a rich, creamy layer that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving this up for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to make and versatile enough to adapt to your personal tastes. Try experimenting with different cheeses, adding your favorite toppings, or even serving it with a variety of sides to create a meal that’s perfectly suited to your family’s preferences. Enjoy this hearty, delicious meatloaf and make it a regular part of your recipe rotation!
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BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
Description
This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic meatloaf. Juicy ground beef is combined with smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this meatloaf brings together all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger in a hearty, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced onions, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape and Top: Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf. Brush the top with BBQ sauce.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Add Cheese: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle more cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt and become bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce.
Notes
- Customizable: Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Make-Ahead: The meatloaf can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, Bacon Meatloaf, Cheeseburger Meatloaf