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This Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines the best of a classic cheeseburger with the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Juicy beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese come together in a perfectly portioned mini meatloaf, topped with a tangy ketchup and mustard glaze. Ideal for one or two people, this recipe delivers big flavor in a small, satisfying package.
Looking to try more mini meatloaf recipes? Our classic Mini Meatloaf, is a comforting, traditional favorite, while the Mini Turkey Meatloaf offers a lighter, flavorful option. For ultimate convenience, the Slow Cooker Meatloaf delivers incredible tenderness with minimal effort. Each recipe brings a unique twist that’s sure to satisfy any meatloaf lover!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and cook time make it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Cheeseburger-Inspired: Loaded with classic flavors like beef, bacon, cheese, and a tangy glaze.
- Perfectly Portioned: Sized just right for one or two servings
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your taste.
- Kid-Approved: A favorite with both kids and adults.
RELATED: Easy Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this mini bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Ground Beef: Use 85–90% lean ground beef for a juicy meatloaf with the right balance of flavor and texture. Leftover ground beef? Try it inLasagna Rollups, Stuffed Peppers, or Beef Enchiladas.
- Bacon: Four strips of crispy, cooked bacon add smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch. Use any extras in Cauliflower Casserole, Bacon, Egg and Cheese Cup, or Zuppa Toscana.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is my favorite for its sharp flavor, but feel free to substitute with Swiss, Gouda, Feta, or Havarti to suit your taste.
- Egg: One large egg binds the ingredients together, ensuring the meatloaf holds its shape and stays moist.
- Breadcrumbs: Both seasoned and unseasoned breadcrumbs work. They add structure and absorb moisture. Use store-bought for convenience or homemade breadcrumbs for a fresher taste.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder enhances the meatloaf’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Ketchup and Mustard: Combined, these create a tangy, flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the meatloaf.
Recipe Variations
This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is easy to customize. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- BBQ Flavor: Swap the ketchup topping for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese for a vegetarian version.
- Deluxe Add-Ons: Top with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even pickles for added flavor and texture.
How To Make A Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with cooked, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, an egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a 5×5-inch baking dish and press the meatloaf mixture into it. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix ketchup and mustard. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked with no pink remaining.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm.
Expert Tips
- Use Ground Beef with Fat: Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Combine the ingredients gently to avoid a dense, dry meatloaf.
- Add a Glaze: The ketchup and mustard topping adds flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Let it Rest: Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes after baking to lock in the juices and make slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your bacon cheeseburger meatloaf with these tasty sides:
- Sweet Potato Wedges: A slightly sweet and hearty complement to the meatloaf.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp and refreshing for a lighter contrast.
- Garlic Green Beans: Simple, healthy, and flavorful.
- Mac and Cheese: An extra cheesy and comforting addition.
- Roasted Carrots: Colorful and nutritious to round out the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 5×5-inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe, holding about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of meatloaf mixture. Alternatively, you can use a small loaf pan or another dish of similar size.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Yes, you can assemble the bacon cheeseburger meatloaf and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
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.
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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
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the ground beef, cooked and crumbled bacon, cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until just combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Press the meatloaf mixture into a lightly greased 5×5-inch baking dish.
- Add the Glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup and mustard, then spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked with no pink in the center.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, cover it, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use Ground Beef with Fat: Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Combine the ingredients gently to avoid a dense, dry meatloaf.
- Add a Glaze: The ketchup and mustard topping adds flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Let it Rest: Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes after baking to lock in the juices and make slicing easier.
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.
The recipe sound very good I think I will add some chopped onion when I make it since I like onion in about everything.
That sounds like a wonderful idea! Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Thank you so much Joanie for your great recipes for those of us who live alone, and want to eat well. I’ve made many of your recipes now, inc this delicious meat loaf, your chicken with broccoli and cashew nuts, and my favourite breakfast, your toasted granola and the delicious orange and oat cakes. I’ve recommended your site to several of my friends, and they too are enjoying them!
Best wishes from Ann, Victoria, Australia.
Ann, thank you so much for your email! I’m so happy you are enjoying the recipes and I’m so glad you let me know. Thank you for sharing our site with your friends, I hope you all find many new recipes to enjoy. Have a wonderful week!
Joanie
I give this recipe a good recommendation but as written, I find it’s very salty probably due to the bacon. I’ve found bacons vary in their saltines. I’ve made this recipe several times but leave out the extra salt and use only one thick cut slice of bacon and it comes out just right for me.
I have switched to uncured bacon. It has all the flavor without the excessive saltiness. I have actually switched to mostly uncured meats.
Rae Robertson
So divine! Meatloaf AND bacon! Brilliant!
I’ve been on the hunt for a meatloaf recipe and I’m so glad to have found this!
This may be obvious, but not to me. The recipe says “cooked bacon” so eo you crumble the bacon and mix it in?
Carolina,
Cook the bacon, then crumble it into the mix.
This is the only meatloaf my daughter and 10 year old granddaughter will eat. I now can cook meatloaf once a month instead of once a year. A WINNER!!!!!
Awesome! I’m so happy your daughter and granddaughter love the recipe. I happen to love it too, you just can’t go wrong with cheese and bacon. Thanks so much for letting me know.
This sounds delicious! Might have to try to double it for my husband and me!
YUM! The bacon + cheese really makes this!!
This is my son’s favorite meal and my daughter’s combined!!