Hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Loaf (Printable Recipe)

Juicy beef loaf with crispy bacon, cheddar pockets, and a tangy glaze for a comforting main dish.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Meat Mixture

01 - 2 lb lean ground beef
02 - 6 strips bacon, cut into pieces
03 - 1 cup dill pickle relish, drained
04 - 3/4 cup crispy fried onions
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1/2 tsp liquid smoke flavor
09 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed

→ Topping

10 - 6 strips bacon, whole
11 - 1/2 cup ketchup
12 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
13 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, dill pickle relish, crispy fried onions, eggs, panko, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Mix with hands until just combined.
02 - Add chopped bacon pieces and cubed cheddar cheese to the mixture. Fold gently to distribute evenly without overworking.
03 - Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a foil-lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Arrange whole bacon strips on top, slightly overlapping.
04 - Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50–60 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
05 - Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush over the loaf and return to the oven for 5–10 minutes until caramelized.
06 - Remove the loaf from the oven and rest for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain juiciness and structure.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Always drain pickle relish well to prevent excess moisture.
02 - Avoid overmixing the beef to keep the loaf tender.
03 - Resting the loaf helps juices redistribute and keeps slices intact.