Hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Loaf (Printer-Friendly)
Juicy ground beef loaf with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy glaze baked to perfection.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meat and Bacon
01 -
2 pounds lean ground beef
02 -
12 strips bacon, 6 chopped for mixture, 6 whole for topping
→ Flavorings
03 -
3/4 cup dill pickle relish, drained
04 -
3/4 cup crispy fried onions
05 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 -
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
→ Binders and Fillers
07 -
2 large eggs
08 -
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
→ Cheese
09 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
→ Glaze
10 -
1/2 cup ketchup
11 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar
12 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
# Steps to Make This:
01 -
In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, drained pickle relish, fried onions, eggs, panko, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke by hand, avoiding overmixing to maintain tenderness.
02 -
Fold chopped bacon pieces and cubed cheddar cheese into the meat mixture carefully to evenly distribute without overworking.
03 -
Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in a foil-lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Arrange whole bacon strips on top, slightly overlapping to cover the surface.
04 -
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
05 -
Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush glaze evenly over the meatloaf surface and return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes to caramelize and crisp bacon.
06 -
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and ensure slices hold their shape.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Drain pickle relish thoroughly to prevent excess moisture and a soggy loaf.
02 -
Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfect doneness without drying out the meat.
03 -
Resting the loaf before slicing preserves juiciness and structure.