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Savory Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Melted Cheese Made Easy

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A hearty and flavorful meatloaf that captures the classic cheeseburger taste with juicy ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese inside, and crispy bacon on top. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 6 to 8 thick-cut bacon strips
  • 1 to 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (110-170g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (about 75g), plain or seasoned
  • 1/4 cup milk (60ml)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (60ml), plus extra for topping if desired
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until just crispy but still pliable, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper.
  4. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese gently to distribute cheese pockets without overmixing.
  5. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Press half of the meat mixture evenly into the pan.
  6. Sprinkle a thin layer (about 1/4 cup) of cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
  7. Cover the cheese layer with the remaining meat mixture, pressing gently to seal.
  8. Arrange the cooked bacon strips across the top of the meatloaf.
  9. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch drippings and bake for 55-65 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil halfway through if bacon browns too quickly.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption. Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts. Adding ketchup on top during the last 10 minutes of baking adds moisture and a nice glaze. Bacon should be cooked until just crispy but still pliable before baking to ensure it crisps up nicely on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, cheeseburger meatloaf, bacon, ground beef, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy meatloaf

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/savory-cheeseburger-meatloaf-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-melted-cheese-made-easy/