Hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Loaf (Printer-Friendly Version)
Juicy ground beef loaf with crispy bacon, cheddar pockets, and a tangy-sweet glaze for a satisfying hearty dinner.
# Ingredients Needed:
→ Meat and Protein
01 -
2 pounds lean ground beef
02 -
12 strips bacon, 6 chopped and 6 whole
03 -
2 large eggs
→ Cheese
04 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
→ Condiments and Seasonings
05 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 -
½ teaspoon liquid smoke
07 -
½ cup ketchup
08 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar
09 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
→ Breading and Crunch
10 -
¾ cup panko bread crumbs
11 -
¾ cup crispy fried onions
→ Pickles
12 -
½ cup drained dill pickle relish
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, drained pickle relish, crispy fried onions, eggs, panko bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke by hand, avoiding overmixing to maintain tenderness.
02 -
Carefully fold chopped bacon and cubed cheddar cheese into the meat mixture until evenly distributed, preserving cheese pockets.
03 -
Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in a foil-lined 9 by 13 inch baking pan. Arrange whole bacon strips overlapping on top to cover the surface completely.
04 -
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
05 -
Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush evenly over the loaf and return it to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes to caramelize the glaze and crisp the bacon.
06 -
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the loaf to set for easier slicing.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Drain pickle relish thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying.
02 -
Resting the loaf before slicing preserves juiciness and structure.