Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Imagine your favorite juicy cheeseburger turned into a hearty, cheesy meatloaf and wrapped in crispy bacon! This Bacon-Wrapped Cheeseburger Meatloaf is loaded with savory ground beef, melty cheddar, onions, and classic burger flavors, then finished with a sweet-and-tangy glaze. It’s the ultimate comfort-food dinner! 🤤❤️

🛒 Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the bacon wrap:

• 10–12 slices bacon

For the glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and place a wire rack on top if available.

2. Make the meat mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.

3. Add the cheese
Place half of the meat mixture onto the prepared surface and shape it into a rectangle. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar down the center, leaving a border around the edges. Cover with the remaining meat mixture and firmly seal the edges so the cheese stays inside.

4. Wrap with bacon
Arrange the bacon slices side-by-side on a sheet of parchment, slightly overlapping each slice. Place the meatloaf on top and carefully wrap the bacon around it, tucking the ends underneath.

5. Add the glaze
Mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush about half of the glaze over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.

6. Bake
Bake for approximately 55–70 minutes, depending on the thickness of the loaf. Brush with the remaining glaze during the final 15 minutes.

The center should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.

7. Rest and slice
Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside and gives the cheese time to settle.

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad, or crispy fries. 🥔🥓🧀

🔥 Pro Tips

• Use 80/20 ground beef for a juicy meatloaf.
• Don’t overmix the beef or the finished meatloaf can become dense.
• For an extra cheeseburger flavor, add diced pickles or a little pickle relish to the mixture.
• Sharp cheddar gives the strongest cheesy flavor, while mozzarella creates extra stretch.
• For crispier bacon, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
• Always let the meatloaf rest before cutting so the cheese doesn’t immediately run out.

❓ Quick Q&A

Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the meatloaf, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but the result will be leaner. Add a little extra moisture to help keep it juicy.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar is perfect for the classic cheeseburger flavor, but American, Colby Jack, or pepper jack are also delicious.