This Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into one comforting family dinner. Seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and a tangy ketchup-mustard mixture come together in a tender meatloaf that’s cooked low and slow for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
It’s the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that makes everyone happy around the dinner table, without requiring you to stand over the stove. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with a juicy meatloaf topped with savory bacon and a delicious glaze. Serve it with mashed potatoes or green beans for a cozy dinner any night of the week.
Why You’ll Make This Again
- Classic cheeseburger flavor: Ground beef, cheddar, bacon, ketchup, and mustard deliver familiar flavors in every slice.
- Easy slow cooker preparation: Mix the ingredients, shape the loaf, and let the slow cooker handle the cooking.
- Tender and satisfying: The stuffing mix and milk help create a moist, flavorful meatloaf.
- Bacon on top: The bacon topping adds smoky flavor and makes the finished meatloaf extra inviting.
- Family-friendly dinner: Pair it with simple sides for a filling meal that works for busy weeknights or Sunday supper.
How This Comes Together
Start by combining ground beef with chicken stuffing mix, cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, onion, egg, milk, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings. Mix everything gently so the meatloaf stays tender rather than dense.
Shape the mixture into a loaf that fits comfortably in your slow cooker, then add bacon slices and a little extra ketchup over the top. As it cooks, the flavors blend together into a savory, cheeseburger-inspired meatloaf. After cooking, let it rest before slicing so the pieces hold together nicely.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 box (6 oz) chicken stuffing mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, chopped, plus 4–6 slices for topping
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup, plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes–7 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6–8
Estimated Nutrition: Approximately 450 calories and 32 g protein per serving. Actual nutrition will vary depending on the ground beef, bacon, and cheese used.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Finely dice the onion, chop six slices of bacon, and shred the cheddar if you’re not using pre-shredded cheese. Measure out the milk, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings so everything is ready to mix.
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to make cleanup easier and help prevent sticking. Having everything prepared first makes assembling the meatloaf quick and simple.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chicken stuffing mix, shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, diced onion, egg, milk, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently with clean hands or a sturdy spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid squeezing or overworking the mixture, as this can make the finished meatloaf firm and dense.
Step 3: Shape and Add the Bacon Topping
Shape the meat mixture into a compact loaf that fits comfortably inside your lightly greased slow cooker. Place it carefully in the cooker, keeping the shape even so it cooks consistently.
Arrange the remaining four to six bacon slices over the top, slightly overlapping them if necessary. Brush a thin layer of extra ketchup over the bacon and exposed meatloaf for a tangy glaze.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender and Slice
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer. Because this meatloaf contains ground beef, the center should reach 160°F for food safety.
Carefully lift the cooked meatloaf from the slow cooker and drain excess liquid if needed. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. If desired, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar over the hot meatloaf and allow it to melt before serving.
How to Serve It
This hearty meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery green beans. For a classic comfort-food plate, add corn, glazed carrots, or a simple side salad to balance the rich beef, bacon, and cheese.
You can also lean into the cheeseburger theme with oven-baked fries, coleslaw, or pickles on the side. Spoon a little of the cooking sauce over each slice if you like, and serve while the meatloaf is warm.
Leftovers & Storage
Refrigerator: Let the meatloaf cool slightly and refrigerate it in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store for 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave in short intervals or in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until heated through. A spoonful of broth or water can help keep the meatloaf moist.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices or portions in airtight, freezer-safe packaging for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make It Even Better: Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix: Combine the ingredients just until evenly distributed to help keep the meatloaf tender.
- Choose the right beef: Ground beef with some fat helps keep the meatloaf moist. If using very lean beef, take care not to overcook it.
- Shape it evenly: A uniform loaf cooks more consistently than one with thick and thin sections.
- Check the temperature: Use a food thermometer to confirm the center reaches 160°F rather than relying only on cooking time.
- Rest before slicing: A 10-minute rest helps the juices settle and makes the meatloaf easier to cut neatly.
- Handle excess liquid carefully: Ground beef and bacon can release fat as they cook. Lift the loaf carefully and drain excess liquid if needed.
- Add extra cheese at the end: A little cheddar sprinkled over the hot meatloaf creates an extra cheesy finish without complicating the recipe.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
Smoky Cheeseburger Style: Add a small pinch of smoked paprika to the meat mixture for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Extra Cheesy: Use a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for a slightly different cheesy flavor.
Barbecue Twist: Replace some of the ketchup topping with your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweeter, smoky glaze.
Pickle-Inspired Flavor: Serve slices with dill pickle chips on the side to bring in another classic cheeseburger flavor.
Individual Portions: Divide the mixture into smaller loaves if your slow cooker has enough room. Cooking time will change, so check each portion’s internal temperature before serving.
Quick Questions
Can I cook this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf on HIGH?
Yes. The recipe suggests 3–4 hours on HIGH, although slow cookers vary. Always check that the center reaches 160°F before serving.
Do I need to cook the bacon before adding it?
The recipe uses chopped bacon in the meat mixture and additional slices on top. The supplied method does not require pre-cooking the bacon. Keep in mind that bacon cooked in a slow cooker may remain softer than bacon cooked in a skillet or oven.
Why is my meatloaf falling apart?
Meatloaf can crumble if it hasn’t rested long enough or if the mixture hasn’t held together well. Make sure the egg and stuffing mix are evenly incorporated, avoid adding extra liquid, and let the cooked loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix and shape the meatloaf ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate it promptly until you’re ready to cook. Keep raw ground beef refrigerated at 40°F or below, and cook it within a safe storage period. For best results, follow your slow cooker’s instructions for adding chilled food.
What should I serve with slow cooker meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, corn, and a simple salad are all excellent choices. Oven-baked fries or coleslaw also work well if you’d like to continue the cheeseburger-inspired theme.
A Comfort-Food Classic Made Easy
This Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf turns familiar kitchen staples into a hearty dinner full of savory beef, smoky bacon, and melted cheddar. The slow cooker makes preparation simple, while the ketchup and mustard add that unmistakable cheeseburger-inspired finish.
Serve it with your favorite homestyle sides, save a few slices for tomorrow’s lunch, and enjoy the kind of comforting meal that always feels welcome at the family table.
“The best family dinners don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, a warm slice of homemade meatloaf and a favorite side dish are all it takes to make an ordinary evening feel special.”
— Ava
Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Finely dice the onion, chop six slices of bacon, and shred the cheddar if you’re not using pre-shredded cheese. Measure out the milk, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to make cleanup easier and help prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chicken stuffing mix, shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, diced onion, egg, milk, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with clean hands or a sturdy spoon until evenly distributed. Avoid squeezing or overworking the mixture, which can make the meatloaf firm and dense.
- Shape the meat mixture into a compact, even loaf that fits comfortably inside the lightly greased slow cooker. Place it in the cooker. Arrange the remaining four to six bacon slices over the top, slightly overlapping if necessary. Brush a thin layer of extra ketchup over the bacon and exposed meatloaf for a tangy glaze.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, checking with a food thermometer to ensure the center reaches 160°F. Carefully lift the cooked meatloaf from the slow cooker and drain excess liquid if needed. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. If desired, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar over the hot meatloaf and allow it to melt before serving.
