Lean ground beef: forms the hearty base but still has enough fat to keep things juicy
Dill pickle relish: adds that classic burger tanginess that brightens the rich meat
Crispy fried onions: provide flavor and texture without the harshness of raw onion
Panko bread crumbs: keep the texture light rather than dense and heavy
Sharp cheddar in small cubes: creates pockets of melty cheese throughout
Bacon: both inside and layered on top delivers smoky flavor and crispy texture
Worcestershire sauce: adds depth and umami that enhances the meaty flavor
Smoke flavor: intensifies the backyard burger experience even from your oven
Ketchup glaze: caramelizes on top for that sweet tangy finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the ingredients:
Drain most of the liquid from your pickle relish to prevent a soggy meatloaf. Cube your cheese rather than shredding it to create those wonderful melty pockets throughout the finished loaf. Have your bacon ready with some cut into pieces and some left whole for the top.
Mix the base gently:
Combine ground beef, pickle relish, fried onions, eggs, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoke flavor in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together but work lightly. Overmixing will make your meatloaf tough rather than tender.
Add the special additions:
Cut six bacon strips into pieces using kitchen scissors and gently fold them into your meat mixture. This internal bacon will render as it cooks, adding flavor throughout. Next, carefully fold in the cheese cubes, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
Form and top:
Shape the mixture into a loaf form and place it in a 9×13 baking pan lined with foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the remaining whole bacon strips across the top of the loaf, slightly overlapping them for complete coverage as they will shrink during cooking.
Bake to perfection:
Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F on a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked. While it’s baking, mix your glaze ingredients together.
Finish with glaze:
When the meatloaf reaches temperature, brush the surface with your ketchup glaze mixture. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the bacon on top crisps to perfection.
A large piece of meat with bacon on top.
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A large piece of meat with bacon on top. | myhomemaderecipe.com
You Must Know
The internal cheese cubes maintain their shape better than shredded cheese
This recipe freezes beautifully for future meals
Perfect for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day
You can form into mini loaves for faster cooking time
The dill pickle relish is actually my secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I was out of onions one day and decided to add pickles instead. That tangy zip completely transforms the flavor profile and gives it that authentic burger taste that my family goes crazy for. Now I wouldn’t dream of making it any other way.
Make-Ahead Options
This meatloaf can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare everything as directed but instead of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then proceed with the baking instructions. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you can prep on Sunday for an easy Monday dinner.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover meatloaf keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, slice the cooled meatloaf and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Meatloaf sandwiches made with the leftovers might actually be better than the original dinner. Try a slice between sourdough bread with extra cheese and grilled until melty.
A close up of a ham and cheese sandwich.
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A close up of a ham and cheese sandwich. | myhomemaderecipe.com
Variations to Try
If you want to customize this meatloaf to your family’s tastes, there are several easy swaps you can make. Ground turkey can replace beef for a lighter option, though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also incorporate different condiments into the meat mixture like mustard or BBQ sauce to change the flavor profile completely.
Pro Tips
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it from falling apart
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without cutting into the loaf
Line your pan with foil or parchment for virtually no cleanup afterwards
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked to 165°F.
→ How do I keep the meatloaf moist?
To retain moisture, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Additionally, the bacon layer prevents the loaf from drying out during cooking.
→ Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add the glaze just before baking for best results.
→ What sides pair well with this dish?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Delight
Satisfy dinner cravings with a bacon cheeseburger-inspired meatloaf packed with flavor and easy to prepare.
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Zaho
Category: Main Dishes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Yield: 8 Servings
Dietary: ~
Ingredients
→ Meatloaf Base
1/2 cup dill pickle relish, drained
2 pounds lean ground beef
1/4 cup crispy fried onions or 2 tbsp onion flakes or 1 tsp onion powder
2 eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoke flavor
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, diced
16 slices uncooked bacon, divided
→ Glaze
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
1 tsp sriracha (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Drain most of the liquid from the dill pickle relish.
In a large bowl, combine dill pickle relish, ground beef, fried onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoke flavor. Mix lightly.
Use scissors to cut 6 strips of bacon into small pieces and gently mix into the meatloaf mixture.
Gently mix diced cheddar cheese into the meatloaf mixture.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a 9×13-inch pan or on a baking sheet, lined with aluminum foil if preferred.
Lay the remaining bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, maple syrup, and sriracha if using.
Brush the meatloaf with the prepared glaze and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Notes
Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for maple syrup in the glaze.
Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking pan or baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Large mixing bowl
Scissors
Meat thermometer
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
