How do you keep bacon cheeseburger meatloaf from falling apart or being mushy?

To prevent your bacon cheeseburger meatloaf from falling apart, use the proper ratio of binding agents - one egg and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs per pound of meat. Additionally, avoid overmixing the ingredients and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Furthermore, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute and firm up the texture.

Can you make bacon cheeseburger meatloaf ahead of time or freeze it?

Yes, you can assemble bacon cheeseburger meatloaf up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook. Moreover, cooked meatloaf freezes well for up to 3 months when properly wrapped. Additionally, you can freeze individual slices for quick reheating later. Therefore, this makes meal planning much easier for busy families.

What are the best ingredients to use for bacon cheeseburger meatloaf (e.g., bacon, cheese, binders)?

For the best bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, use 80/20 ground beef for optimal moisture and flavor. Additionally, choose thick-cut bacon that will crisp nicely and sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor. Furthermore, fresh breadcrumbs work better than dried ones, and eggs provide essential binding. Moreover, diced onions and Worcestershire sauce add depth and authentic burger flavor.

Can bacon cheeseburger meatloaf be cooked in a slow cooker or without a loaf pan?

Yes, bacon cheeseburger meatloaf can be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. However, the bacon won't crisp as well, so consider browning it first. Additionally, you can shape the meatloaf freeform on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Furthermore, this method allows better airflow around the meatloaf, potentially creating a nicer crust.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Ultimate 7-Ingredient Comfort Recipe

Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: The Ultimate 7-Ingredient Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend) 8 slices thick-cut bacon 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs 2 large eggs, beaten 1 medium onion, diced 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp paprika

Description

Ultimate comfort food combining all your favorite cheeseburger flavors in one spectacular meatloaf with crispy bacon topping and melted cheese center. This easy 7-ingredient recipe transforms simple ground beef into a family dinner masterpiece that tastes like your favorite burger in meatloaf form.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend) 8 slices thick-cut bacon 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs 2 large eggs, beaten 1 medium onion, diced 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp paprika

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika Mix ingredients with your hands just until combined – avoid overmixing Place half the meat mixture in the prepared loaf pan and press down gently Create a well down the center and fill with cubed cheddar cheese Top with remaining meat mixture and seal edges around the cheese Arrange bacon strips across the top in an attractive overlapping pattern Bake for 45-55 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing Slice and serve with your favorite sides

Notes

Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness – internal temperature must reach 160°F Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough texture Let meatloaf rest before slicing for clean cuts and better presentation Fresh breadcrumbs work better than dried for moisture retention Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before cooking Freezes well for up to 3 months when properly wrapped

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg