If you love the bold, smoky flavors of a BBQ bacon cheeseburger, you’re going to fall in love with this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf! This dish takes the classic comfort food meatloaf and gives it a cheeseburger-inspired twist, combining ground beef, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce. The result is a savory, juicy meatloaf that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or hosting a casual gathering, this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is sure to be a hit!
What is BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf?
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a fun and delicious mash-up of two comfort food favorites: the cheeseburger and traditional meatloaf. It’s made with ground beef, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and seasoned with BBQ sauce for that smoky, tangy kick. Instead of the usual ketchup or tomato sauce on top, this meatloaf gets a slather of BBQ sauce and melted cheese, giving it that true cheeseburger experience. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or crowd.
Ingredients List for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
To make this delicious, burger-inspired meatloaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness): The base of the meatloaf.
- 6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled): Adds a smoky, crispy texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For melty cheeseburger goodness.
- ½ cup bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf and keep it moist.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Adds flavor and texture.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): For a subtle garlicky flavor.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the meatloaf together.
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for glazing): Adds tangy, smoky flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Enhances the flavor with a bit of tang.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For umami richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce: To brush on top for added flavor and caramelization.
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese: For topping the meatloaf in the final minutes of baking.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Pickles: Add chopped pickles to the meatloaf mixture for an extra cheeseburger flavor.
- Hot Sauce: If you like it spicy, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Sesame Seeds: For a true cheeseburger feel, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
- Meat Substitutes: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner version, or go for a plant-based meat substitute if you're vegetarian.
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, American, or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly meatloaf.
- BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces (sweet, spicy, smoky, or mustard-based) to give the meatloaf a unique flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf step by step:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Once cool, crumble the bacon and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, ⅓ cup BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf (about 8x4 inches if shaping by hand) or pat it evenly into the loaf pan.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Add the Glaze
In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the top of the meatloaf with the extra ¼ cup of BBQ sauce. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and return it to the oven to let the cheese melt and the BBQ sauce caramelize.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the meatloaf and serve it with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
How to Cook BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking crispy bacon to mix into the meatloaf.
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine the ground beef, bacon, cheese, BBQ sauce, and seasonings for a flavorful meatloaf base.
- Shape and Bake: Shape the meatloaf into a loaf and bake until cooked through.
- Glaze and Cheese: Brush with BBQ sauce and top with melted cheese for that final cheeseburger touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overmixing the Meat: Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense meatloaf. Gently mix the ingredients just until combined.
- Not Using Enough Cheese: Don’t be shy with the cheese—this is a cheeseburger-inspired meatloaf! Make sure there’s enough cheese both inside and on top for that melty goodness.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is essential to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful.
- Undercooking: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety and the best texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Here’s how to serve and present your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf for maximum flavor and appeal:
How to Serve BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- With Classic Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, French fries, or roasted vegetables for a classic meatloaf dinner.
- As a Sandwich: Leftover slices make a perfect sandwich! Serve the meatloaf between toasted buns with extra cheese, pickles, and more BBQ sauce.
- With a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the meatloaf with a crisp side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
Presentation Ideas for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Garnish with Bacon Bits: Sprinkle extra crumbled bacon on top for an eye-catching and flavorful garnish.
- Serve with Extra BBQ Sauce: Place a small bowl of BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over each slice.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic presentation, you can shape and bake the meatloaf in a cast-iron skillet and serve it directly from the pan.
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure perfect doneness by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Leftover Ideas: Use leftover meatloaf to make sliders, sandwiches, or even crumble it over baked potatoes or nachos for a fun twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this meatloaf with ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives. Just be aware that they may cook a bit faster than ground beef, so monitor the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
Q: Can I freeze BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked or cooked meatloaf. For uncooked, wrap the shaped meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. For cooked meatloaf, let it cool completely, then freeze individual slices for easy reheating.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
A: Yes, finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini can be added to the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they are finely chopped or sautéed beforehand to avoid adding too much moisture.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Conclusion
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the best parts of a smoky bacon cheeseburger with the heartiness of a classic meatloaf. The tender, juicy beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce come together to create an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or saving the leftovers for sandwiches, this BBQ-inspired meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy every delicious bite!
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BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a savory twist on traditional meatloaf, packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and topped with a tangy BBQ glaze. This delicious comfort food dish brings together all the best parts of a cheeseburger in a hearty loaf, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for glazing)
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, BBQ sauce, egg, ketchup, mustard, diced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Brush the top of the meatloaf with additional BBQ sauce.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or a beef/pork blend for a different take on this recipe.
- Add pickles or jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 950mg
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