A mouth-watering bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe
Cheeseburgers and meatloaf may not seem like an obvious pairing, but trust me when I say that this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf from Paula Deen is going to knock your socks off. As an avid culinary explorer, I am always on the lookout for unique and delicious recipes that will impress my dinner guests, and this one has quickly become a favorite in my repertoire.
If you love the taste of a classic cheeseburger but want to mix things up, then this recipe is definitely for you. It takes all the flavors you know and love – ground beef, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon – and combines them into a hearty and cheesy meatloaf that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
But don’t just take my word for it – give it a try for yourself! With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you can whip up this cheesy masterpiece in no time. Trust me: once you sink your teeth into this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, you’ll never go back to plain old hamburgers again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of bacon cheeseburgers? How about meatloaf? If you answered yes, then you definitely won’t want to miss out on this amazing recipe for bacon cheeseburger meatloaf by the one and only, Paula Deen.
What makes this dish so irresistible is the perfect combination of juicy ground chuck, savory bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. If that’s not enough, it’s also topped with a delicious ketchup and mustard glaze that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
But what truly sets this dish apart is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking up a hearty weeknight dinner or preparing for one of your favorite holidays, this meatloaf will have everyone begging for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be stored for several days, making it the perfect meal prep option.
Not convinced yet? Just imagine sinking your teeth into each cheesy, meaty bite with a side of crispy fried onions or maybe even some garlic mashed potatoes. As you savor that moment of pure bliss, you’ll realize that this recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
In short, if you love cheeseburgers and meatloaf but can’t decide which to make, you can have both in this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe by Paula Deen – homemade comfort food at its finest! Trust me; you won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
- 1 lb ground chuck: Ground beef is the base of the recipe which provides flavor and texture to the dish. Use ground chuck for optimum flavor and fat content.
- 10 slices bacon cooked and crumbled: A true Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf should have savory bacon flavor in every bite. Use crispy cooked bacon for maximum flavor experience.
- 2 large lightly beaten eggs: Eggs bind the meat together so it will hold its shape while baking. Be sure to beat them well and add them at room temperature.
- 1 cup bread crumbs: Bread crumbs serve as a filler that absorbs moisture from the meat, making the meatloaf tender and moist. You can use homemade bread crumbs, panko, or seasoned bread crumbs.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise provides moisture to the meatloaf and helps to create a creamy texture. It can be substituted with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Ketchup supplies tomato tang and sweetness to the meatloaf while also adding moisture to the mixture. Use your favorite brand.
- 2 tbsp prepared mustard: Prepared mustard provides acidic kick and depth of flavor to the meatloaf. You can substitute it with Dijon mustard or honey mustard.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds complexity to the taste of the meatloaf by adding a savory, umami flavor.
- 1 tsp pepper and 1 tsp salt: Pepper and salt add seasoning and enhance flavors without being too overwhelming.
- 4 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated: Sharp cheddar cheese gives a zing of sharpness and a nutty flavor to this cheesy meatloaf.
The Recipe How-To
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground chuck, 10 slices cooked and crumbled bacon, ¼ cup ketchup, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 large lightly beaten eggs, 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon prepared mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix ingredients until well combined.
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Top with 6-8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). During the last few minutes of baking time, sprinkle another ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the meatloaf.
Let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with some homemade gravy or fries on the side.
Substitutions and Variations
Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can be customized to suit your taste. If you want to switch up this recipe, here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Ground beef: Instead of using ground chuck, you can use ground turkey or ground pork. This will make the meatloaf lighter and healthier.
– Vegan bacon: You can use vegan bacon instead of real bacon to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
– Cheese: You can use different types of cheese in this recipe, such as pepper jack or gouda, to add some variety.
– Bread crumbs: If you don’t have bread crumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or pretzels instead.
– Sauces: You can experiment with different sauces for the glaze, like barbecue sauce or honey mustard.
– Stuffing: For a twist on traditional meatloaf, try stuffing it with ingredients like fried onions or diced vegetables.
These substitutions and variations provide endless possibilities to adapt the preparation according to one’s preferences. Whether you are looking for a healthier alternative, a vegetarian friendly version of your favorite comfort food or just want to switch things up for something new and exciting in your kitchen – these tweaks will make sure everyone gets what they crave!
Serving and Pairing
Serve this meatloaf hot out of the oven, and your guests will be drooling over it! I highly recommend serving it with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans compliments the savory flavor of the bacon cheeseburger meatloaf. If desired, you can also serve this dish with some crusty bread to sop up any remaining meatloaf juices.
If you want to take things up a notch, pair this meatloaf with a bold red wine to balance out the rich flavors. A Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel would pair nicely with the hearty meatloaf.
For those who prefer lighter drinks, a pale ale or light beer would work well too. The carbonation will help cut through the fattiness of the meat while the beer’s hops will complement the Worcestershire sauce in the dish.
In summary, this dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or a weekend feast. Whether you want some crisp crumbled bacon sprinkled on top or sharp cheddar cheese grated all over it, the options are endless. Don’t forget to enjoy every bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This delicious bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe is perfect for meal prep and make-ahead dinners. You can prepare it a day or two before serving, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
Leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze any leftover meatloaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When reheating this meatloaf, it’s important to ensure that it’s heated all the way through to the center. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven, or you could reheat the entire meatloaf in the preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
I recommend letting the meatloaf sit out of the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before reheating so that it comes to room temperature before going back in the oven. This will help ensure that it heats evenly throughout and doesn’t dry out.
Overall, this recipe makes a great option for today’s busy lifestyles as it can be prepared ahead of time, stored easily and quickly reheated for a delicious meal on-the-go.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve the perfect bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, here are some tips that can help you:
Firstly, when combining the ingredients, use your hands instead of a spoon or spatula. This will evenly distribute the seasonings and prevent over-mixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
Secondly, avoid using lean ground beef, as it will dry out in the oven. Instead, use a ground chuck that is around 80% lean and 20% fat. This will ensure that your meatloaf remains moist and flavorful.
Next, before cooking the meatloaf, let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This step allows it to cook more evenly throughout and prevents the edges from getting too overcooked.
When baking the meatloaf, make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place it in the middle rack. You can also cover the top with aluminum foil for the first half of the cooking time to prevent excessive browning.
For an extra cheesy twist on this recipe, try stuffing it with sliced cheddar cheese before topping it with cooked bacon. This will give the overall dish an even richer flavor.
Lastly, let the meatloaf rest for at least ten minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures that each slice is moist and tender.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a juicy and delicious bacon cheeseburger meatloaf every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe from Paula Deen is the ultimate comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, juicy texture, and crispy bacon, it is sure to be a crowd pleaser at any gathering. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, with few ingredients that can be substituted or varied according to your preferences.
As a culinary explorer, I highly recommend this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe, especially if you are a fan of classic burgers and love experimenting with new flavors. Trust me; you will not be disappointed. Whether you are a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves good food.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food in the comfort of your own home. Happy cooking!
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf (Paula Deen) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (8 ounce) package sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
- 1 (3 ounce) can French-fried onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the first 9 ingredients, mixing well by hand.
- In a small bowl, combine ketchup and mustard.
- Stir in 1/4 cup ketchup mixture into the meat mixture.
- Place meat mixture in baking dish and shape into a loaf.
- Spread remaining ketchup mixture over meatloaf.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with French fried onions.
- Return to oven and bake 10-15 minutes longer, or until meat is no longer pink.
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.