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Craving the savory flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger but want a comforting, home-style twist? This Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the perfect solution! It takes all the delicious elements of your favorite burger – juicy beef, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese – and transforms them into a satisfying and compact mini meatloaf. Perfect for one or two people, it offers all the comfort of a home-cooked meal with the irresistible flavors of a classic cheeseburger.
Looking for more mini meatloaf recipes? You’ve got to check out our lineup! Our classic Mini Meatloaf is a comforting, traditional favorite, the Mini Turkey Meatloaf is light and flavorful, perfect for a healthier option, and our Slow Cooker Meatloaf is incredibly tender and convenient, practically cooking itself to perfection. Each recipe has its own unique twist, sure to please any meatloaf enthusiast.
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe
- Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Flavorful: Packed with all the classic cheeseburger flavors you love, this mini meatloaf is sure to please.
- Perfect for one or two: This small-sized meatloaf is ideal for a single serving or for sharing with a loved one.
- Customizable: You can easily add or remove ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Kid-friendly: This recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
RELATED: Easy Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this mini meatloaf recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Ground Beef: Choose 85-90% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. This lean-to-fat ratio ensures a juicy meatloaf without being overly greasy. Consider using any leftover ground beef in Lasagna Rollups, Stuffed Peppers, or Beef Enchiladas.
- Bacon: Incorporate 4 strips of cooked bacon for a smoky depth of flavor. Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch and richness to the meatloaf. Extra bacon can be used in a Cauliflower Casserole, Bacon, Egg and Cheese Cup, or Zuppa Toscana.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is my go-to for its sharp, tangy profile. However, feel free to experiment with other types like Swiss, Gouda, Feta, or Havarti to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Egg: A single large egg is crucial for binding all the ingredients together, ensuring your meatloaf holds its shape and moisture.
- Breadcrumbs: Both seasoned and unseasoned breadcrumbs work well. They help in absorbing moisture and adding structure. Choose homemade breadcrumbs for a fresher taste or use convenient store-bought ones.
- Seasonings: Simple yet essential, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are recommended. These seasonings enhance the meatloaf’s flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the beef.
- Ketchup and Mustard: A blend of ketchup and mustard forms the perfect topping, offering a classic, tangy glaze that complements the meatloaf. Mix these together for a harmonious topping that adds both color and flavor.
Recipe Variations
This Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your palate. Here are some ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy version.
- BBQ Style: Mix in some BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use a plant-based meat substitute and vegan cheese.
- Deluxe Toppings: Top with caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
How To Make A Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Combine Ingredients: Start by adding these to your ground beef: 4 slices of cooked, chopped bacon, a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese, one egg, breadcrumbs, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix these together until well combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Once mixed, transfer your meatloaf mixture into a greased 5×5 inch baking dish. Then, preheat your oven to the required temperature.
- Create the Glaze: While waiting for the oven to heat up, take a small bowl and blend together ketchup and mustard. Drizzle or spread this mixture over the top of your meatloaf.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. You’re aiming for the meatloaf to cook thoroughly until there’s no pink left inside.
- Rest Before Serving: After baking, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to settle, making your meatloaf moist and flavorful when you slice into it.
Following these steps will help you create a delicious bacon cheeseburger meatloaf that’s perfect for a comforting meal.
Expert Tips
- Choose ground beef with fat: Avoid lean ground beef, as it can dry out easily. Aim for 80/20 for optimal flavor and moisture.
- Don’t forget the egg: The egg adds essential moisture and binds the ingredients for a perfect texture.
- Mix gently: Overmixing results in a dry and dense meatloaf. Just combine the ingredients until barely incorporated.
- Glaze it for extra deliciousness: The ketchup and mustard mixture creates a flavorful glaze that elevates the meatloaf.
- Rest for juiciness: Allowing the meatloaf to rest after cooking redistributes the juices and prevents it from falling apart.
- Cheese versatility: Explore different cheeses beyond cheddar to personalize the flavor profile. Smoked gouda, swiss, havarti, or other favorites are great options.
- Low-carb makeover: Substitute bread crumbs with almond meal or oat flour for a keto-friendly twist.
RELATED: Easy Slow Cooker Recipes For One
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with a variety of sides to enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: A sweet and savory side that complements the meatloaf’s richness.
- Classic Caesar Salad: Adds a fresh and crisp contrast to the dish.
- Garlic Green Beans: A simple, healthy, and flavorful addition.
- Mac and Cheese: For an extra cheesy and comforting meal.
- Roasted Carrots: A colorful and nutritious side to balance the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this recipe, I use a 5-inch square baking dish, which holds about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of meatloaf mixture. You can also use a small loaf pan or any similar smaller baking dish.
You can store this delicious mini meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Once the bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is cooked and cooled, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator and microwave until heated through.
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version. Keep in mind that turkey might yield a slightly different texture and flavor.
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: 15 Easy Single Serving Dessert Recipes
If you’ve tried this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- 4 slices cooked bacon -crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg -lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled cooked bacon, cheese, egg, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a 5×5-inch lightly greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and mustard. Spread evenly across the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until meat is no longer pink in the middle.
- Remove meatloaf from the oven and cover. Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Choose ground beef with fat: Avoid lean ground beef, as it can dry out easily. Aim for 80/20 for optimal flavor and moisture.
- Don’t forget the egg: The egg adds essential moisture and binds the ingredients for a perfect texture.
- Mix gently: Overmixing results in a dry and dense meatloaf. Just combine the ingredients until barely incorporated.
- Glaze it for extra deliciousness: The ketchup and mustard mixture creates a flavorful glaze that elevates the meatloaf.
- Rest for juiciness: Allowing the meatloaf to rest after cooking redistributes the juices and prevents it from falling apart.
- Cheese versatility: Explore different cheeses beyond cheddar to personalize the flavor profile. Smoked gouda, swiss, havarti, or other favorites are great options.
- Low-carb makeover: Substitute bread crumbs with almond meal or oat flour for a keto-friendly twist.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Confusion…I use to loathe meatloaf growing up! But something switched in college when I made my own and fell in love! I don’t make it nearly enough and this single serving sounds amazing!
Thanks so much!
This looks delish! Love that its a single serving.
Thanks, Kelley. It’s the perfect size for someone cooking for themselves.
I have been adding bacon to all our meals lately and my mother-in-law commented that it looks like my husband lost weight… Must be all that bacon, haha. I will definitely have to add bacon to my next meatloaf 🙂
It would be perfect if bacon could help with weight loss, I’d have no problem. Yes, try bacon in your meatloaf – it’s delicious!
This sounds like it would be a PERFECT addition to my lunch rotation! The “secret sauce” is simple yet genius 😀
That meatloaf looks so moist and delicious! Pinned.
Thank you, Abigail. It certainly is.
Now there’s no excuse not to have a delicious dinner, even if you’re dining alone!
That’s so true, Melanie. Thanks.
That’s one good looking meatloaf! I love that’s it’s for one, I might have to whip this up for myself before the kids finish school this week 🙂
Thanks so much, Sheena.
I don’t think that’s a strange thing to say at all – my family loves meatloaf, too! I often have to make two loaves, because I feel bummed out if there’s nothing left for sammies ;). Now, meatloaf for one? That’s the total opposite idea, but I love it! So handy for single peeps…plus, bacon cheeseburger = yum!
Leftover meatloaf for sandwiches is the best, Heather. Thanks!
This looks dang delicious! I love meatloaf. I know, everyone is always like, “whaaaat? meatloaf? ewwww!” And I’m like, “you’re ewwwww!” Like, as if! 😀
Thanks, Kate.
Everything about this is fabulous – the fact that it serves 1, tastes like a bacon cheeseburger, and doesn’t need a bun to be delicious! Can’t wait to make this.
Thank you, Faith.