Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for maximum juiciness and flavor)
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1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
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1 large egg, beaten
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½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup (60 g) cooked, crumbled beef bacon
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¼ cup (60 g) ketchup
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¼ cup (60 g) yellow mustard
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¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
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1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup (40 g) diced pickles (optional but highly recommended for a true cheeseburger flavor)
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½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
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4 strips beef bacon, for topping
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1 Tbsp ketchup, for drizzling
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked crumbled beef bacon, ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you love that authentic cheeseburger taste, fold in the diced pickles as well. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make your meatloaf tough.
Transfer the meat mixture to a lightly greased baking dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Form it into a loaf shape, roughly 8 inches long and about 4 inches wide. Smooth out the surface with your hands or a spatula to create an even finish. Make sure the loaf is compact but not overly tight — you want it to stay juicy during baking.
Sprinkle the additional ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the meatloaf. Lay the 4 strips of beef bacon across the top, slightly overlapping if necessary, for that irresistible crispy finish. Finally, drizzle the tablespoon of ketchup evenly over the bacon for an extra layer of savory-sweet glaze.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The cheese should be melted, the bacon crispy, and the loaf juicy and flavorful.
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and packed with flavor. Slice thickly and serve immediately, optionally with extra pickles or a side of fries for the full burger experience!
Notes
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Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. Ground beef is safe to eat when it reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your loaf, so keep a close eye during the last 10 minutes of baking.
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If the bacon browns too quickly, loosely tent the meatloaf with foil for the final minutes to prevent burning while still allowing the loaf to cook through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 820mg
- Protein: 30g