This Cheesy loaded meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food dinner, crafted from scratch with ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Ready in about an hour and a half, it’s an easy meatloaf recipe perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a special Sunday supper. The sweet and tangy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch to this homemade meatloaf dinner.

I’ve been refining this loaded meatloaf recipe for years, and it has become a non-negotiable part of our family’s comfort food rotation. There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of onions and garlic sautéing, a scent that promises a hearty meal is on its way. I love serving slices alongside a helping of my ultra-creamy mac and cheese and some simple steamed green beans for a plate that truly satisfies.

This bacon cheddar meatloaf also reminds me of the hearty, simple dinners I enjoyed during my travels, where quality ingredients are allowed to shine. It’s the kind of meal I’d happily pair with a slice of cheesy garlic bliss bread to soak up every last bit of flavor. It’s a reminder that the best dinners are often the simplest ones, made with care.

Four Reasons This Cheesy Meatloaf Wins

Loaded with Flavor: The combination of bacon, cheddar, and a sweet glaze makes every bite unforgettable.
Family-Friendly Favorite: This easy meatloaf with cheese is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this homemade meatloaf dinner comes together without stress.
Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.

Gathering Your Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Ground Beef (80/20 chuck): This ratio offers the ideal fat content for a moist, flavorful result.
Panko Bread Crumbs: They create a lighter texture than traditional breadcrumbs, preventing a dense loaf.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: Sautéing them first unlocks their sweetness and builds a deep flavor foundation.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth that is essential to a great meatloaf.
Crispy Bacon: Provides smoky, salty bites throughout the loaded meatloaf.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and rich cheesy pockets.
Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard Powder: These three ingredients combine for the classic, irresistible glazed meatloaf topping.

Cheesy loaded meatloaf

This cheesy loaded meatloaf recipe features ground beef with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a sweet glaze. Perfect comfort food that’s ready in just over an hour.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 1 10

Total Time 1 50

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

oven
loaf pan
rimmed baking sheet
wire rack
small skillet
mixing bowl
measuring spoons
measuring cups
knife
cutting board
instant-read thermometer
small bowl
whisk

Ingredients

Meatloaf Mixture

2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 chuck
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup plain panko bread crumbs
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Glaze

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for free-form shaping. If using a baking sheet, you may want to place a wire rack on top to allow fat to drain away.
In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional) and sauté the finely chopped yellow onion for 5 to 7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a very large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, cooled sautéed onion and garlic, large egg, whole milk, panko bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, cooked and crumbled bacon, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use your hands to mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a tough meatloaf.
Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan or form it into a compact 9×5-inch loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the shape is even for consistent cooking.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, packed light brown sugar, and dry mustard powder until well combined to create the glaze.
Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top surface.
Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 15 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf.
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Let it rest in the pan or on the baking sheet for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more moist and flavorful result.

Notes

Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for a more moist and flavorful result.

Keyword cheesy, comfort food, meatloaf

Creative Twists on This Classic

Extra Cheesy Version: Add a cup of shredded mozzarella for even more gooey, melted cheese.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce with the beef.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Meatloaf

Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients until just blended to avoid a tough, dense texture.
Use a Thermometer: The most reliable way to know it’s done is when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Let It Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking lets the juices redistribute for a moist slice. This is the same technique I use for my beef stew to maximize flavor.
Free-Form Option: For a crispier exterior, shape the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet instead of using a pan.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

Store: Keep leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s great for sandwiches the next day!
Freeze: Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, to restore the best texture.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the entire meatloaf a day ahead, cover it, and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

The secret lies in not overmixing the meat and using ingredients with adequate fat, like 80/20 ground beef and whole milk. Additionally, allowing the cooked meatloaf to rest before slicing is crucial for retaining all those wonderful juices.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. While sharp cheddar is fantastic, pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a Swiss cheese would work beautifully. For another cheesy dinner idea, check out our sheet pan lasagna.

Why put milk in meatloaf?

Milk, when combined with the breadcrumbs, creates a panade which helps to keep the ground meat tender and moist during the cooking process, preventing dryness.

Can I make meatloaf without a loaf pan?

Yes, shaping the meatloaf free-form on a rimmed baking sheet is a great alternative. It often results in more browned surface area and can help render fat away from the loaf.

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Why This Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Belongs on Your Table

With its juicy interior, smoky bacon, and pockets of melted cheese, this Cheesy loaded meatloaf is the definition of a perfected classic. It’s an incredibly easy meatloaf recipe that delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss. I hope it becomes a cherished favorite in your home, bringing everyone to the table for a truly satisfying homemade meatloaf dinner.

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