Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

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Looking for a savory twist to your traditional meatloaf recipe? Look no further! Our Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delectable fusion of juicy ground beef, zesty sausage, and gooey cheddar cheese, all wrapped in smoky bacon slices. This crowd-pleasing dish is bursting with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite. Follow our simple recipe below to create a mouthwatering meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds of 85% lean, 15% fat ground beef
  • 1 pound of country-style sausage
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup of diced onion
  • ⅓ cup of ketchup
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of Morton’s Nature’s seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon of pepper
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ½ cup of breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup of diced cheddar cheese
  • Bacon slices (enough to line 2 loaf pans)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two loaf pans by lining them with bacon slices.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, country-style sausage, eggs, diced onion, ketchup, Morton’s Nature’s seasoning, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, salt, breadcrumbs, and diced cheddar cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Divide the meat mixture evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, pressing it down gently to form loaves.
  4. Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  5. Once cooked, remove the meatloaves from the oven and carefully transfer them from the loaf pans to a cutting board.
  6. Allow the meatloaves to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  7. Serve and enjoy your Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf! For an extra treat, save leftovers to make delicious sandwiches the next day.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serving Suggestions:
    • Enjoy your Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf hot and fresh from the oven for the ultimate comfort food experience.
    • Serve slices alongside your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
    • For a fun twist, try topping slices with additional ketchup, mustard, or pickles for a classic cheeseburger flavor.
  2. Leftover Delights:
    • Save any leftover meatloaf to create delicious sandwiches the next day. Simply slice the meatloaf and layer it between slices of bread or rolls with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.
    • Alternatively, chop leftover meatloaf into cubes and use it to top salads, pizzas, or pasta dishes for added flavor and protein.
  3. Storage Tips:
    • Store any leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
    • Refrigerate leftover meatloaf for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave slices until heated through or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
    • For longer storage, you can freeze cooked meatloaf slices for up to 2-3 months. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations:

  1. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy twist. You can also incorporate a spicy cheese such as pepper jack for an extra kick of heat.
  2. BBQ Infusion: Replace the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce to infuse the meatloaf with smoky, tangy flavor. Brush additional BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf during baking for a caramelized finish.
  3. Italian-Inspired: Mix Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese into the meat mixture for an Italian-inspired twist. Serve slices with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious meatloaf Parmesan experience.
  4. Mushroom Medley: Sauté chopped mushrooms with garlic and onions until softened, then mix them into the meat mixture for added moisture and earthy flavor. Top the meatloaf with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a savory sensation.
  5. Turkey Twist: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option. Enhance the flavor with poultry seasoning, chopped fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, and grated smoked Gouda cheese for a unique twist on traditional meatloaf.
  6. Veggie Delight: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini into the meat mixture for added texture and nutrients. Experiment with different cheese varieties like feta or goat cheese for a vegetarian-friendly option.
  7. Glazed Goodness: Brush the top of the meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze made from a combination of honey, mustard, and balsamic vinegar before baking. The glaze will caramelize during baking, adding a deliciously sticky and flavorful crust to the meatloaf.
  8. Breakfast Blend: Add cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, diced cooked bacon, and shredded hash browns to the meat mixture for a hearty breakfast-inspired meatloaf. Serve slices with a drizzle of maple syrup or top with a sunny-side-up egg for the ultimate morning indulgence.

These variations offer endless possibilities to customize your Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf and elevate it to new heights of flavor and creativity. Experiment with different ingredients and combinations to discover your own signature twist on this classic comfort food.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use leaner ground beef for this recipe?
    • While 85% lean, 15% fat ground beef is recommended for its juicy flavor and texture, you can certainly use leaner beef if you prefer. Keep in mind that leaner beef may result in a slightly drier meatloaf, so consider adding extra moisture through additional ingredients or toppings.
  2. Can I substitute the country-style sausage with another type of sausage?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred type of sausage, whether it’s spicy Italian sausage, sweet breakfast sausage, or any other variety. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the meat mixture.
  3. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
    • Yes, you can omit the eggs if you have dietary restrictions or allergies. The eggs help bind the ingredients together and add moisture, so consider using a substitute like mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, or a commercial egg replacer.
  4. How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked through?
    • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf, ensuring it reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption. Additionally, the meatloaf should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center when fully cooked.
  5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply cover the loaf pans with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
  6. How should I store leftover meatloaf?
    • Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating. Properly stored, leftover meatloaf will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  7. Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?
    • Yes, you can freeze cooked meatloaf slices for future meals. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen meatloaf will maintain quality for 2-3 months in the freezer.

With its irresistible combination of savory flavors and comforting textures, our Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a must-try for any meat lover. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So fire up your oven and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience.