Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Cheeseburger Meatloaf Stack

Prepare to have your mind blown and your taste buds utterly delighted by this extraordinary Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Cheeseburger Meatloaf Stack! This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary event, taking the best elements of a juicy cheeseburger, smoky bacon, and comforting meatloaf, and stacking them into an awe-inspiring, flavor-packed tower. Each layer boasts perfectly seasoned ground beef and pork, loaded with three types of gooey melted cheese, crowned with crispy bacon, and glazed with tangy BBQ sauce. It’s a decadent, hearty, and unbelievably satisfying dish that’s guaranteed to be the star of any dinner table, perfect for special gatherings, game nights, or when you simply crave something spectacularly delicious and comforting.

Ingredients:

For the Cheeseburger Meatloaf:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup ketchup (plus more for topping, if desired)
• ¼ cup yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

For the Bacon & Glaze:

• 8 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy (reserve a tablespoon of bacon fat if desired)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
   • In a very large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
   • Add the breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
   • Using your hands, mix until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
3. Fold in the Cheeses:
   • Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and shredded pepper jack cheese into the meat mixture until evenly distributed.
4. Form and Bake the Meatloaves (First Bake):
   • Divide the meat mixture evenly into two halves.
   • Shape each half into a thick, rectangular loaf (approximately 8×4 inches and about 2 inches high).
   • Carefully place both loaves on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
5. Add Bacon and Glaze (Second Bake):
   • While the meatloaves are baking, cook your 8 strips of bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and roughly chop or leave whole, as desired for topping.
   • After 45 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
   • Arrange 4 strips of the cooked bacon over the top of each meatloaf.
   • Generously brush the ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the bacon and the top of each meatloaf, ensuring good coverage.
   • Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. The cheese should be gooey and the BBQ sauce slightly caramelized.
6. Rest, Slice, and Stack:
   • Remove the meatloaves from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist meatloaf, and makes slicing easier.
   • Once rested, carefully transfer the meatloaves to a cutting board. Slice each meatloaf into thick, individual servings.
   • To create the “stack,” place one slice of meatloaf on a plate, top with another slice, and optionally a third, if desired. You can add extra BBQ sauce between layers or on top.
7. Serve:
   • Serve your Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Cheeseburger Meatloaf Stack hot with your favorite comfort food sides.

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Meat Mixture: For a slightly different flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but 80/20 beef and pork provide the best flavor and moisture.
• Cheese Choice: Feel free to customize the cheese blend! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious.
• Bacon: Cooking the bacon separately ensures it stays crispy. If you prefer, you can use raw bacon woven over the top from the start, but it won’t be as crisp.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture for a little kick.
• Mushroom & Onion: For added depth, sauté finely diced mushrooms and onions until softened, then mix into the ground meat mixture.
• Toasting Buns: You can slice and toast hamburger buns to serve the meatloaf on, just like actual burgers!
• Make Ahead: The meatloaf mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.
• Storage: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.

Pairings:

• Classic Comfort Sides: Mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, baked beans (as seen in your image!), coleslaw, or corn on the cob are perfect complements.
• Vegetable Sides: Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad with a tangy dressing would cut through the richness.
• Beverages: Cold beer, soda, or iced tea are ideal for a casual, hearty meal.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including resting)
• Servings: 6-8 (depending on slice thickness)
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Effort Level: Medium