Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

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Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, packed with cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon, is pure comfort on a plate. It’s hearty, flavorful, and makes the best leftovers for sandwiches.

This recipe has been a family favorite ever since my sister made it for a weekend gathering years ago.

Her version came from an old cookbook, but we adjusted it to keep all the rich, cheesy, smoky flavors while making it even better. After a few tweaks, it quickly became the star of every potluck and family dinner.

We always laugh about pairing such a bold, indulgent dish with the “healthiest” sides—like a big green salad and steamed veggies—to balance it out. And somehow, dessert always includes something light, like a fruit platter.

This meatloaf turns any meal into something special. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and always brings smiles to the table.

Table of Contents

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or use ground turkey for a leaner option)
10 slices turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (use dairy-free cheese for vegan)
2 large eggs, lightly whisked (use flax eggs for vegan)
¼ cup toasted breadcrumbs (substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
¼ cup mayonnaise (use vegan mayo for a dairy-free alternative)
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅓ cup tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
½ cup crispy fried onions (use gluten-free if necessary)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled turkey bacon, shredded cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the ketchup and mustard. Take ¼ cup of this sauce and stir it into the meat mixture. Keep the rest for topping.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet. Spread the remaining ketchup-mustard sauce evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Pro Tips For The Best Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Making a great bacon cheeseburger meatloaf isn’t just about mixing ingredients and baking. A few simple tricks can take it from good to amazing:

Blend Your Meats: A mix of beef and turkey keeps it juicy without being greasy.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better than packaged shredded cheese.
Cook and Crumble the Bacon: Adds crunch and smoky flavor without turning soggy.
Toast Breadcrumbs in Bacon Fat: Brings extra depth to the taste.
Chill the Mixture Before Baking: Helps the loaf hold its shape and prevents dryness.
Mix in a Bit of Beef Broth: Locks in moisture for a richer bite.
Skip the Loaf Pan: Shape by hand on a baking sheet for better texture.
Double the Glaze: One layer before baking, another at the end for the best crust.
Let It Rest Before Slicing: Keeps it from falling apart and preserves the juices.

What To Serve With Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf?

This meatloaf is rich and full of flavor, so pairing it with the right sides can balance the meal. Here are some great options:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes make a classic pairing.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and garlic add a nice contrast.
Steamed Green Beans: A simple and light option to balance the richness.
Mac and Cheese: If you love an extra cheesy meal, mac and cheese goes great with this.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn adds a fresh element to the plate.
Garlic Bread: Adds a crispy, buttery side that pairs well with the meatloaf.
Simple Salad: A fresh salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes can lighten up the meal.

Why Your Meatloaf Might Be Watery And How To Fix It?

A watery meatloaf can be frustrating, but it usually happens because of too much liquid or not enough binding ingredients. Here’s how to fix it:

Too Much Liquid: If you add too much ketchup, mayo, or other wet ingredients, the meatloaf won’t hold its shape. Reduce the liquid slightly next time.
Not Enough Binders: Breadcrumbs and eggs help absorb moisture. If your meatloaf is falling apart, try adding a little more.
Meat Was Too Watery: If your ground meat had too much water or was frozen and thawed, drain any excess liquid before mixing.
Cooking in a Loaf Pan: When baked in a loaf pan, grease and moisture collect at the bottom. Try shaping the meatloaf by hand and placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to allow extra liquid to escape.

Why Is Your Meatloaf Mushy?

A mushy meatloaf usually means the ingredient balance is off. Here’s why it happens and what you can do:

Too Many Fillers: If there are too many breadcrumbs, eggs, or other fillers, the meatloaf can turn soft and lose its texture. Use only the right amount for binding.
Meat Grind Is Too Fine: If the ground beef is very finely ground, it can make the texture too soft. Coarsely ground meat works better.
Undercooked: If the meatloaf isn’t fully cooked, it may be too soft inside. Use a thermometer to check if it has reached 160°F (71°C).
Not Enough Rest Time: Cutting into the meatloaf immediately after baking can make it seem mushy. Let it rest for at least 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Why Does Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Crack?

A cracked meatloaf is usually caused by uneven cooking or dryness. Here’s how to prevent it:

Too Dry: If there’s not enough moisture (from eggs, breadcrumbs, or sauce), the meatloaf can dry out and crack.
Oven Too Hot: Cooking at a very high temperature causes the outer layer to cook too quickly while the inside is still soft. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
Overmixing: When you mix the meat too much, it becomes dense and cracks more easily. Stir just enough to combine the ingredients.
Not Enough Resting Time: If you cut into it too soon, the juices escape, and it can fall apart. Always let it rest before slicing.

Why Is Your Meatloaf Not Setting?

If your meatloaf is too loose or falling apart, these could be the reasons:

Not Enough Binders: Breadcrumbs and eggs help hold everything together. If your meatloaf is too soft, add a little more next time.
Too Much Liquid: If there’s too much mayo, ketchup, or other wet ingredients, it won’t firm up properly. Reduce the amount slightly.
Not Cooked Long Enough: Undercooked meatloaf stays soft in the center. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Meat Was Too Lean: Using very lean meat (like 90/10 beef or turkey) can make the meatloaf too dry and crumbly. A little fat helps it stay moist and hold together.