Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, diced onions, diced pickles, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf:
- Press the meat mixture into a loaf pan, ensuring that it is packed tightly to hold its shape during baking.
- Bake:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Once baked, let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve warm.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g
30 Secrets for Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ground beef and high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Balance the Fat: Use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the meatloaf ingredients until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Add a Binding Agent: Ensure the meatloaf holds together by using eggs or additional breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too loose.
- Cook the Bacon First: Cook and cool the bacon before adding it to the meatloaf to avoid sogginess.
- Sauté the Onions: For a milder onion flavor, sauté the diced onions before mixing them into the meatloaf.
- Season Well: Season each layer of ingredients as you add them to ensure a well-flavored meatloaf.
- Use Cheese Wisely: Mix some cheese into the meatloaf and reserve some to sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Line the Pan: Line the loaf pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the meatloaf after baking.
- Add a Sauce Topping: Brush extra ketchup or a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar on top before baking for a classic meatloaf topping.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to make slicing easier and to keep it moist.
- Prevent Dryness: Add a bit of milk or cream to the mixture if it feels too dry before baking.
- Customize the Flavors: Swap out ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist, or add Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Finely chop vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to add moisture and nutrients.
- Create a Bacon Weave: For extra flair, wrap the entire meatloaf in bacon before baking.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Add Pickle Juice: Add a splash of pickle juice to the mixture for a tangy kick.
- Make Mini Meatloaves: Use a muffin tin to make individual servings or smaller portions for quicker cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Check the meatloaf early to prevent overcooking, which can lead to a dry texture.
- Add a Crunch: Top with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for some heat.
- Cheese Center: Stuff the center of the meatloaf with extra cheese for a gooey surprise when sliced.
- Use a Meatloaf Pan: Consider using a meatloaf pan with a removable insert to allow excess fat to drain.
- Add Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano can elevate the flavor profile.
- Try Ground Pork: Mix in some ground pork for a richer flavor and texture.
- Caramelized Onions: Use caramelized onions instead of raw for a sweeter flavor.
- Glaze Variation: Experiment with different glazes, such as honey mustard, for unique flavors.
- Leftover Magic: Use leftovers in sandwiches or crumbled over salads for a new meal.
- Broil for Extra Crispy: Broil the meatloaf for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the bacon or cheese on top.
30 Most Popular Questions and Their Answers for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Answer: Yes, ground turkey can be used as a healthier alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
- Answer: Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze the meatloaf?
- Answer: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
- How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
- Answer: Ensure you use enough fat (like the bacon and cheese) and avoid overbaking. Letting it rest after baking also helps keep it moist.
- What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
- Answer: Crushed crackers, oats, or panko breadcrumbs are good substitutes.
- Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
- Answer: Yes, finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can be added for extra moisture and nutrition.
- How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
- Answer: The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Answer: Yes, Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese are great alternatives to cheddar.
- Why did my meatloaf fall apart?
- Answer: The meatloaf may not have been mixed enough or lacked enough binding agents like eggs or breadcrumbs.
- Can I use turkey bacon?
- Answer: Yes, turkey bacon can be used, though it will have a different texture and flavor.
- Should I cover the meatloaf while baking?
- Answer: You can cover it with foil for the first half of baking to prevent the top from browning too quickly, then uncover it for the remainder.
- Can I make mini meatloaves?
- Answer: Yes, you can shape the mixture into smaller loaves or use a muffin tin for individual servings.
- Can I add a glaze on top?
- Answer: Yes, a glaze of ketchup, BBQ sauce, or a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar can be added during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- What can I serve with this meatloaf?
- Answer: Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad are great sides.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- Answer: Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients, like the ketchup and mustard, are gluten-free.
- Why is my meatloaf greasy?
- Answer: High-fat content in the ground beef can cause grease. Using a meatloaf pan with a removable insert or draining the grease halfway through cooking can help.
- How do I add extra flavor?
- Answer: Consider adding Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, or smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
- Can I use leftover meatloaf for sandwiches?
- Answer: Absolutely, leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches.
- Can I bake the meatloaf without a loaf pan?
- Answer: Yes, you can shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape and bake it on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
- Can I use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup?
- Answer: Yes, BBQ sauce can be used instead of or in addition to ketchup for a different flavor profile.
- How do I prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the pan?
- Answer: Line the pan with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.