When you combine all the crave-worthy flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with the hearty, nostalgic comfort of a meatloaf, you get an epic creation: the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bomb. Juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, savory beef bacon, and tangy condiments all come together in this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party, planning a cozy weeknight meal, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Packed with flavor and baked to perfection, this meatloaf isn’t just food — it’s an experience. Let’s dive deep into every detail to master it!
Ingredients:
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1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for maximum juiciness and flavor)
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1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
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1 large egg, beaten
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½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup (60 g) cooked, crumbled beef bacon
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¼ cup (60 g) ketchup
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¼ cup (60 g) yellow mustard
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¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
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1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup (40 g) diced pickles (optional but highly recommended for a true cheeseburger flavor)
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½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
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4 strips beef bacon, for topping
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1 Tbsp ketchup, for drizzling
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked crumbled beef bacon, ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you love that authentic cheeseburger taste, fold in the diced pickles as well. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make your meatloaf tough.
Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a lightly greased baking dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Form it into a loaf shape, roughly 8 inches long and about 4 inches wide. Smooth out the surface with your hands or a spatula to create an even finish. Make sure the loaf is compact but not overly tight — you want it to stay juicy during baking.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the additional ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the meatloaf. Lay the 4 strips of beef bacon across the top, slightly overlapping if necessary, for that irresistible crispy finish. Finally, drizzle the tablespoon of ketchup evenly over the bacon for an extra layer of savory-sweet glaze.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The cheese should be melted, the bacon crispy, and the loaf juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and packed with flavor. Slice thickly and serve immediately, optionally with extra pickles or a side of fries for the full burger experience!
Variation
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a spicy twist.
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Loaded Cheeseburger Version: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a spoonful of BBQ sauce for a layered flavor explosion.
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Low-Carb Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to make this dish keto-friendly.
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Mini Meatloaf Bombs: Shape the mixture into individual muffin tins for fun, single-serving portions — perfect for meal prepping or parties.
Cooking Note:
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Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. Ground beef is safe to eat when it reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your loaf, so keep a close eye during the last 10 minutes of baking.
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If the bacon browns too quickly, loosely tent the meatloaf with foil for the final minutes to prevent burning while still allowing the loaf to cook through.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve slices of this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bomb alongside crispy French fries or tater tots.
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Add a fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
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Pair it with classic burger sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or mac & cheese for an indulgent comfort food feast.
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For an extra treat, sandwich a slice between two burger buns and enjoy the most epic burger sandwich ever!
Tips:
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Use a lean but not too lean ground beef — an 80/20 ratio keeps it juicy without being greasy.
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Mix gently to prevent a dense, tough loaf.
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Resting is crucial — cutting too soon can cause all the juices to spill out.
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Customize your seasonings: feel free to adjust garlic, onion powder, or Worcestershire to suit your taste preferences.
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Add a surprise center: hide a little cube of cheese in the center of the meatloaf for a gooey molten middle!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate per serving based on 6 servings)
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Calories: 480
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Protein: 30g
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Sodium: 820mg
Note: Values can vary depending on brands of ingredients and optional additions like pickles.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the loaf a day ahead. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking as directed.
Q2: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat slices gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Q3: Can I freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bomb?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooked and cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Q4: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, but because turkey and chicken are leaner, you might want to add a bit more mayonnaise or shredded cheese to keep it moist.
Q5: What if I don’t like pickles?
Feel free to omit them! You can replace them with chopped jalapeños, roasted red peppers, or simply leave them out — it will still be delicious.
Conclusion
The Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bomb brings together the best of two iconic comfort foods into one unforgettable dish. Rich, savory, and bursting with classic cheeseburger flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or just a cozy night when you crave something satisfying and indulgent. With endless variations and unbeatable flavor, this meatloaf bomb deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. So go ahead — preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress with this explosive comfort food masterpiece! 🍔💣
Print
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bomb
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
-
1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for maximum juiciness and flavor)
-
1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
-
1 large egg, beaten
-
½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese
-
½ cup (60 g) cooked, crumbled beef bacon
-
¼ cup (60 g) ketchup
-
¼ cup (60 g) yellow mustard
-
¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
-
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
¼ cup (40 g) diced pickles (optional but highly recommended for a true cheeseburger flavor)
-
½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
-
4 strips beef bacon, for topping
-
1 Tbsp ketchup, for drizzling
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked crumbled beef bacon, ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you love that authentic cheeseburger taste, fold in the diced pickles as well. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make your meatloaf tough.
Transfer the meat mixture to a lightly greased baking dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Form it into a loaf shape, roughly 8 inches long and about 4 inches wide. Smooth out the surface with your hands or a spatula to create an even finish. Make sure the loaf is compact but not overly tight — you want it to stay juicy during baking.
Sprinkle the additional ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the meatloaf. Lay the 4 strips of beef bacon across the top, slightly overlapping if necessary, for that irresistible crispy finish. Finally, drizzle the tablespoon of ketchup evenly over the bacon for an extra layer of savory-sweet glaze.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The cheese should be melted, the bacon crispy, and the loaf juicy and flavorful.
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and packed with flavor. Slice thickly and serve immediately, optionally with extra pickles or a side of fries for the full burger experience!
Notes
-
Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. Ground beef is safe to eat when it reaches 160°F (71°C).
-
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your loaf, so keep a close eye during the last 10 minutes of baking.
-
If the bacon browns too quickly, loosely tent the meatloaf with foil for the final minutes to prevent burning while still allowing the loaf to cook through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 820mg
- Protein: 30g