Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

 

 

ingredients

2 lb lean ground beef

6 strips bacon, cut into pieces

1 cup dill pickle relish, drained

3/4 cup crispy fried onions

2 large eggs

3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp liquid smoke flavor

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed

6 strips bacon, whole

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions

Drain excess liquid from pickle relish and cube sharp cheddar cheese. Prepare bacon by cutting six strips into pieces and reserving six whole strips for topping.
In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, drained relish, crispy fried onions, eggs, panko bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke with your hands. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
Fold in the diced bacon pieces and cubed cheddar cheese carefully, ensuring even distribution without overworking the mixture.
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a foil-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Arrange the whole bacon strips across the top, overlapping slightly for full coverage.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the glaze. Brush it evenly over the meatloaf surface, then return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until caramelized and bacon crisps.
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain its shape and juiciness. Serve warm with preferred sides