BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Looking for a way to make meatloaf even more irresistible? This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf will quickly become a family favorite! Combining the beloved flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger with the comfort of a classic meatloaf, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and cheesy goodness. Imagine a meatloaf packed with ground beef, crumbled bacon, and melty cheddar cheese, all topped with tangy BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this meatloaf delivers on both taste and simplicity. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.

This recipe takes traditional meatloaf and upgrades it into something that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a comforting loaf form. Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, BBQ sauce, beaten egg, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to form a compact loaf.
4. Spread an extra layer of BBQ sauce on top of the loaf for added flavor.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds together well.
7. Serve with extra BBQ sauce or your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

How to Prepare

1. Prepare the bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set it aside for mixing into the meatloaf.
2. Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, BBQ sauce, and seasonings. Mix by hand or with a spoon until well combined.
3. Form the loaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf in a greased pan, pressing it firmly but not too tightly. This helps the meatloaf cook evenly.
4. Bake the meatloaf: Top the loaf with BBQ sauce and bake at 350°F for about an hour. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 60-70 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings

• Serves: 6-8

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for a leaner option. Just ensure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

2. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatloaf mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I freeze BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf?
Yes, once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F.

4. What sides pair well with this meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly. You can also serve it with coleslaw or potato salad for a BBQ-style meal.

5. How do I prevent my meatloaf from drying out?
Mixing in milk and egg helps keep the meatloaf moist. Covering it with BBQ sauce also locks in moisture during baking.

Conclusion

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the perfect mashup of classic comfort food with modern flavor. It’s a hearty dish that brings together the best elements of a bacon cheeseburger in a simple, flavorful meatloaf form. Not only is it packed with rich and savory ingredients, but the tangy BBQ sauce and melted cheese make each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a large family gathering or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and sure to become a go-to favorite.

The next time you’re craving something comforting with a bit of a twist, give this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf a try. It’s easy to prepare, and with its mouthwatering combination of bacon, cheese, and BBQ sauce, you won’t be able to resist having seconds.

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