Hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Loaf (Print Version)
Juicy ground beef loaf with bacon, cheddar, and tangy glaze. Rich, smoky, and satisfying.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat and Cheese
01 -
2 pounds lean ground beef
02 -
12 slices bacon, divided (6 chopped, 6 whole for topping)
03 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
→ Binders and Seasonings
04 -
2 large eggs
05 -
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
06 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 -
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
→ Add-Ins
08 -
1/3 cup dill pickle relish, well drained
09 -
3/4 cup crispy fried onions
→ Glaze
10 -
1/2 cup ketchup
11 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar
12 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, well-drained dill pickle relish, crispy fried onions, eggs, panko bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke by hand, mixing just until combined for a tender texture.
02 -
Fold in the chopped bacon pieces and cubed cheddar cheese, distributing evenly but taking care not to overmix to retain moisture and pockets of cheese.
03 -
Form the mixture into a loaf and set it in a foil-lined 9x13-inch baking pan. Lay the remaining whole bacon strips on top in a slight overlap to cover the loaf fully.
04 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
05 -
While baking, blend ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth. Remove the loaf from the oven, brush the glaze generously over the surface, and return to the oven.
06 -
Bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and the bacon topping to become crisp.
07 -
Remove from oven and let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to preserve succulence and help each piece hold its shape.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Always drain the pickle relish thoroughly to maintain the loaf's structure and prevent sogginess.
02 -
Gently fold in bacon and cheese to preserve distinct flavor pockets in every slice.
03 -
Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness and avoids overcooking.