Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic Dish
Get ready to elevate your meatloaf game with this indulgent Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe. Packed with savory ground beef, country-style sausage, and gooey cheddar cheese, all wrapped in crispy bacon, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs. ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat)
- 1 lb. country-style sausage
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Morton’s Nature’s Sea Salt
- 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, chopped
- 2 loaf pans’ worth of bacon slices
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two loaf pans by lining them with parchment paper or greasing them lightly with cooking spray.
- Mix Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, country-style sausage, eggs, chopped onion, ketchup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, bread crumbs, and chopped cheddar cheese. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
- Form Loaves: Divide the meat mixture evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Use your hands to shape the mixture into loaf shapes, smoothing the tops with your fingers.
- Wrap in Bacon: Take the bacon slices and arrange them over the tops of the meatloaves, covering them completely with overlapping slices. Tuck the ends of the bacon slices underneath the loaves to secure them.
- Bake: Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meatloaves are cooked through and the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaves from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for easier slicing.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve slices of the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf hot, garnished with your favorite condiments such as additional ketchup or mustard, if desired. Enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors with each bite!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Mix up the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in this recipe. Pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese would all be delicious alternatives to cheddar.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of traditional bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Personalize Your Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less salt, pepper, or garlic powder depending on your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into loaves ahead of time. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the bacon before baking.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Can I freeze this meatloaf? Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What should I serve with Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf? This meatloaf pairs well with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
In conclusion, this Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food dish. With its savory meat mixture, gooey cheese filling, and crispy bacon topping, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Whether enjoyed for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf is bound to satisfy everyone at the table. Give it a try and prepare to be amazed by the irresistible flavors!
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level with its savory flavors and crispy bacon topping. Serve it up for dinner and watch as everyone comes back for seconds!
