Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delightful fusion of two comfort food favorites: the classic cheeseburger and hearty meatloaf. This dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef, savory sausage, and crispy bacon, along with a melty cheddar cheese center. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this meatloaf offers a gourmet twist on traditional meatloaf recipes, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied. The smoky bacon, tangy ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce add depth to the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful experience.
This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible even for novice cooks. The ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry, making it a convenient option for a delicious homemade meal. Whether you’re looking for a new dinner staple or a dish that can be easily transformed into sandwiches for the next day, this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf fits the bill perfectly.
Below, you’ll find the detailed recipe for making this delicious meatloaf, as well as several variations and substitutions to help you customize the dish to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
3 pounds 85% lean ground beef
1 pound country-style sausage
2 large eggs
¾ cup diced onion
⅓ cup ketchup
1 ½ teaspoons Nature’s seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 cup diced cheddar cheese
10-12 slices of bacon
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sausage, eggs, diced onion, ketchup, Nature’s seasoning, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, breadcrumbs, and diced cheddar cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Line the Loaf Pans:
Line two loaf pans with the bacon slices, allowing the ends to hang over the edges of the pans.
Shape and Fill:
Divide the meat mixture between the two loaf pans, pressing it firmly into the pans. Fold the overhanging bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf mixture.
Bake:
Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 90 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Drain and Serve:
Carefully remove the meatloaf from the pans immediately after baking to reduce grease. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations
BBQ Meatloaf:
Substitute the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Spicy Meatloaf:
Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
Mushroom and Swiss:
Replace the cheddar cheese with Swiss cheese and add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the meat mixture for a gourmet twist.
Herbed Meatloaf:
Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley to the meat mixture for an aromatic and flavorful variation.
Substitutions
Turkey Meatloaf:
Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef and turkey sausage for the country-style sausage for a lighter version.
Gluten-Free Option:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Meatloaf:
Omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute to make the recipe dairy-free.
Lower-Fat Version:
Use leaner cuts of meat and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the fat content.
Conclusion
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the best elements of a cheeseburger and meatloaf. The combination of ground beef, sausage, and bacon, along with the creamy cheddar cheese, creates a rich and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. The recipe is easy to follow and versatile, allowing for numerous variations and substitutions to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as leftovers in a sandwich, this meatloaf is bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to make this dish your own.