Can we talk about cravings for a sec? Because let me tell you, the first time I dreamt up this Delicious Double Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Meatloaf, it was a full-blown, midnight fridge raid kind of craving. My half-asleep brain somehow combined my kids’ love for mac and cheese with my husband’s passion for bacon cheeseburgers. The result? Well, after a couple of trial runs (and a smidge of heartburn), I’ve nailed down a recipe that’s honestly a bit of comfort food heaven.
Now, I know what you might be thinking – “Mac and cheese in a meatloaf? Is she for real?” But trust me, it’s a game changer! It’s like all your favorite guilty pleasures collided to create this one majestic dish. And before you start worrying about your waistline, let’s just say this is a treat-yourself kind of meal. Perfect for those days when salad just won’t cut it, you know?
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Alright, let’s gear up for some serious cooking. Grab your apron and let’s talk ingredients. I get most of my stuff from the local farmer’s market (and honestly, the cheese from there just hits different). Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (the good stuff, 85/15 – fat equals flavor, my friends)
- 1/2 lb thick-cut bacon, cooked to crispy perfection and crumbled
- 2 cups cooked macaroni (al dente, please)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I swear by Tillamook)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I learned the hard way that panko doesn’t bind as well here)
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk, because we’re not cutting corners)
- 1 large egg, beaten like it owes you money
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup mixed with 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Now, about those instructions – I’ve learned a few things from the messes I’ve made. Stick with me, and I’ll help you avoid a kitchen catastrophe.
- Let’s get that oven roaring to 350°F. Make sure to actually let it preheat. (I’ve definitely forgotten this a time or two.)
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, macaroni, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands – it’s messy but effective.
- Once everything’s mixed, shape it into a glorious loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. (Don’t make the mistake I did once and forget the parchment – hello, sticky mess!)
- Slather that beautiful loaf with your homemade glaze. Trust me, it’s the crowning glory.
- Bake for about 55 minutes, or until the meatloaf whispers sweet nothings to your meat thermometer at 160°F internally.
- Let it rest for a bit before slicing. I know, waiting is torture, but it’s necessary.
Tips & Tricks
You know what? I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to make this meatloaf even more mind-blowing.
- Try adding a layer of sliced pickles on top before you glaze it. Sounds weird, but it’s a flavor bomb.
- For a smokier meatloaf, mix in a little bit of barbecue sauce with the glaze. (My neighbor swears by this).
- If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed-up crackers or even potato chips can do the trick. (Learned this one the hard way when the breadcrumbs were past their prime.)
FAQ
I’ve had a few questions come up repeatedly when I’ve shared this recipe, so let’s tackle those.
Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prep it a day in advance, keep it in the fridge, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish a little healthier?
A: Sure, you can use turkey bacon and lean ground turkey. But remember, it’s called comfort food for a reason.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yep! Wrap it up tight and it’ll keep in the freezer. Just reheat it in the oven for best results.
In my family’s culture, meatloaf is more than just a meal; it’s a story on a plate. It’s the dish my mom made when she wanted to tell us she was prouder than words could say. It’s the meal that filled the house with mouth-watering smells and brought everyone to the table, no matter how busy we were. This twist on a classic, with its layers of cheesy, bacon-y goodness, is my way of continuing that tradition and, trust me, it’s making some delicious memories.
And there you have it, your roadmap to the most indulgent, satisfying meatloaf you’ll ever sink your teeth into. I’ve already confessed my culinary sins, shared my secrets, and now it’s your turn to create your masterpiece. Go on, give your taste buds the thrill they’ve been craving with this Delicious Double Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Meatloaf. And when you take that first heavenly bite, you’ll know it was all worth it.
Calories
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room – the calorie count. We’re dealing with a dish that’s indulgent, to say the least. You’re looking at roughly 600-800 calories per serving, depending on the size of your slice and the exact ingredients you use. But let’s be real, when you’re digging into a dish like this, you’re not counting calories, you’re counting moments of pure joy. (And maybe the number of times you go back for seconds.)
Substitutions
Got dietary restrictions or missing an ingredient? Don’t sweat it. Here’s how you can switch things up:
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or chicken can step in for a lighter take.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option, but for that smoky flavor, you can’t beat the real deal.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses. Gouda or smoked mozzarella could be awesome here.
- Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free folks can use their preferred breadcrumb alternative or even rolled oats in a pinch.
Storage Tips
Leftovers are a gift from the comfort food gods. Here’s how to keep ’em fresh:
- Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in foil and store them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing? Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven to maintain that crispy top.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Mix it up with these twists:
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Add a BBQ sauce glaze and some crispy fried onions on top.
- Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf: Swap out the cheddar for provolone and mix in some sautéed peppers and onions.
- Italian Meatloaf: Use Italian seasoning, swap Parmesan for mozzarella, and add some marinara sauce into the mix.
Troubleshooting
Ran into a snag? Here’s how to fix common meatloaf mishaps:
- If your meatloaf is falling apart, you might need more breadcrumbs or another egg to bind it.
- If it’s too dry, add a splash more milk or even some beef broth to the mixture.
- And if it’s not cooking evenly, make sure you’re shaping it consistently without any thick or thin spots.
Now, let me hit you with a bit of real talk. The first time I tried substituting almond milk (because, well, it’s all I had), let’s just say the results were… interesting. The texture was off, and the flavor was a bit nutty in a not-so-great way. Lesson learned – stick with whole milk. And speaking of sticking, don’t forget that parchment paper. I’ve had to chisel meatloaf off a baking sheet before, and it’s not a memory I’m fond of.
Seasons change, holidays come and go, but this Delicious Double Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Meatloaf is a year-round kind of deal in my house. Whether we’re celebrating a birthday, cheering up a bad day, or just need that taste of home, this dish delivers. And let me tell you, on a chilly fall evening, there’s nothing better than the smell of this meaty, cheesy love loaf wafting through the house.
So go ahead, make this meatloaf your own. Add a dash of this, a sprinkle of that. Make it on a Tuesday night or for a weekend feast. The point is, get in the kitchen and start creating those flavors and memories that’ll stick with your loved ones for a lifetime. (Just like that time I accidentally used sugar instead of salt – the kids still won’t let me live that one down.)
And there we go, folks – 1200 words of meatloaf magic. You’ve got the recipe, the tips, the calorie confession, and even a few laughs along the way. Now it’s your turn to take this kitchen classic and make it legendary. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!
Delicious Double Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Meatloaf
A decadent and indulgent twist on classic meatloaf, combining the flavors of double bacon cheeseburgers and mac & cheese into a comforting dish that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
- 1/2 lb thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, crumbled bacon, macaroni, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Shape the mixture into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Spread the glaze over the loaf.
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Bake for 55 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
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Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing.