Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned, your choice)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (60 g) cooked, crumbled beef bacon
- ¼ cup (60 g) ketchup
- ¼ cup (60 g) yellow mustard
- ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup (40 g) diced pickles (optional but highly recommended)
- ½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
- 4 strips beef bacon, for topping
- 1 Tbsp ketchup, for drizzling
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a standard loaf pan (8½ × 4½ inches) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ½ cup shredded cheddar, crumbled beef bacon, ketchup, mustard, mayo, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and diced pickles.
Gently fold with your hands or a spatula until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
3. Shape the Meatloaf Bomb:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan.
Press it into an even loaf shape, leaving a slight dip along the top center to hold your toppings later.
4. Top It Like a Burger:
Spread 1 Tbsp ketchup evenly across the top.
Lay the 4 bacon strips in a crisscross or parallel pattern, ensuring they hang slightly over the edges for maximum crispiness.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan on the middle rack and bake for 45 minutes, uncovered.
Use a meat thermometer: you’re looking for an int