Imagine the aroma of sizzling bacon and melting cheddar cheese wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a cozy Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf.
This delightful dish isn’t only easy to make but also offers an indulgent twist on a classic favorite.
As the meatloaf bakes, the simple ingredients transform into a flavorful, hearty meal.
Let’s bring this comforting dish to life and enjoy every savory bite!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, here’s a suggested timeline:
- Preparation (15 minutes):
- 0:00 – 0:02: Gather all ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe.
- 0:02 – 0:07: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and chop the bacon.
- 0:07 – 0:12: Cook the bacon in a frying pan until crisp, then drain on paper towels.
- 0:12 – 0:15: Finely chop the onion and prepare other ingredients for mixing.
- Mixing and Assembling (5 minutes):
- 0:15 – 0:20: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked bacon, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, onion, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Cooking (1 hour):
- 0:20 – 0:22: Shift the meat mixture into a loaf pan and shape it gently.
- 0:22 – 1:22: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake.
- Resting (10 minutes):
- 1:22 – 1:32: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest before slicing.
Additional time for reading and reviewing the recipe can be squeezed in during the waiting periods, such as while the bacon is cooking or while the meatloaf is baking.
This could take about 5 minutes depending on familiarity with the recipe.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the chopped bacon in a frying pan until crisp, then drain on paper towels.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked bacon, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, onion, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing down gently to shape.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect side dish, complementing the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
- Steamed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, carrots, and peas adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a revitalizing contrast to the rich meatloaf.
- Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob adds a touch of sweetness and texture to the meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is ideal for sopping up any extra meatloaf juices.
Storage
To store bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, wrap leftovers tightly in aluminum foil or place in airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Freezing
To freeze bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, cool completely.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Label with the date.
Store in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, slice portions.
Cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.
Microwaving can dry it out.
Final Thoughts
The Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food.
Combining the savory flavors of a cheeseburger and the comforting texture of meatloaf, this dish is bound to be a hit at any dinner table.
With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 1 hour, it’s an easy meal to prepare for any occasion.
Be certain to let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to guarantee it slices beautifully.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients like a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
For those who enjoy a crispy topping, consider spreading a thin layer of ketchup over the top before baking.
Enjoy your delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with your favorite sides and relish the compliments from your family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef in the Recipe?
You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Make certain turkey’s lean, as it affects texture and flavor. Consider adding a bit more seasoning or moisture, like olive oil, to prevent dryness. Monitor cooking time; turkey cooks quicker.
What Alternatives Can I Use for Breadcrumbs in the Meatloaf?
You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour. Each option will slightly alter the texture and flavor. Make certain ratios remain equivalent to maintain consistency. Adjust seasoning to complement your chosen substitute’s flavor profile.
How Can I Make the Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or crushed gluten-free crackers. Verify all other ingredients, like ketchup and mustard, are certified gluten-free. Thoroughly check labels on pre-packaged items to avoid any hidden gluten sources and guarantee safety.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Meatloaf?
You can create a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with lentils or chickpeas and using a plant-based bacon alternative. Make certain all other ingredients like breadcrumbs and cheese are suitable for vegetarians to maintain the dish’s integrity.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Meatloaf Mixture?
You can add vegetables to the mixture. Finely chop vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Make certain they’re evenly distributed by mixing thoroughly. Be cautious with moisture-rich veggies as they could alter the texture, potentially requiring adjustments.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the chopped bacon in a frying pan until crisp, then drain on paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked bacon, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, onion, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing down gently to shape.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
