A delicious and hearty Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of slow cooking.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:4-5 hours on LOW or 2.5-3 hours on HIGH
Total Time:4-5 hours 20 minutes
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Slow Cooker
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
2 lb ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
½ cup crushed buttery crackers
¼ cup milk
¼ cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ cup barbecue sauce (for topping)
6 slices bacon, cooked (for topping)
1 cup crispy fried onions, lightly crushed
¼ cup extra shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the slow cooker. Lightly grease the slow cooker or line it with heavy-duty foil, leaving enough foil extending over the sides to help lift the meatloaf out later.
Cook the bacon. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble 4 slices for the filling. Reserve 6 cooked slices for the topping.
Mix the meatloaf ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, eggs, crushed crackers, milk, ¼ cup barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the meatloaf. Place the mixture on a sheet of parchment paper and flatten it into a thick rectangle.
Add the cheese and bacon. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon over the center, leaving a border around the edges.
Seal the filling. Fold the meat mixture around the cheese and bacon, pinching the seams and ends closed to form a loaf. This helps keep the melted cheese inside.
Transfer to the slow cooker. Carefully place the meatloaf in the prepared slow cooker, seam-side down. Spread the remaining ½ cup barbecue sauce over the top.
Cook until done. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the center reaches 160°F. Cooking time can vary by slow cooker and loaf thickness.
Add the bacon topping. Carefully lift the meatloaf out using the foil and transfer it to a baking pan. Drain excess cooking liquid. Arrange the reserved bacon slices over the top.
Crisp the topping. Place under a preheated 450°F broiler for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions and optional extra cheddar over the meatloaf, then broil for another 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Rest and serve. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce, if desired.
Notes
Avoid overmixing: Mix the ground beef gently to keep the meatloaf tender.
Seal the cheese inside: Pinch the edges firmly to prevent too much cheese from escaping during cooking.
Use lean ground beef: This reduces excess grease collecting in the slow cooker.
Don’t skip the broiler: The final step gives the bacon and fried onions a crispier texture.
Check the temperature: Ground beef meatloaf should reach 160°F in the center for food safety.