Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Cheeseburger Meatloaf Stack 🍔🥓🧀🔥

A smoky, over-the-top comfort dish that combines everything you love about a cheeseburger and classic meatloaf: juicy seasoned beef, crispy bacon, layers of melted cheese, and a rich BBQ glaze.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1½–2 hours
Smoke Temperature: 250°F (120°C)
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Meatloaf Base

2½ pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Triple Cheese Layer

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional for extra creaminess)

Bacon & Glaze

12 slices thick-cut bacon
½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Burger-Style Toppings (Optional)

Pickle slices
Crispy fried onions
Lettuce
Tomato slices
Extra melted cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Milk
- Onion
- Garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Seasonings
Mix gently until combined. Do not overmix.

2. Build the Cheeseburger Stack

Place half of the meat mixture on parchment paper or a lined tray.
Shape into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
Spread the cream cheese (if using) over the center.
Add layers of:
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Pepper jack
Cover with the remaining meat mixture.
Seal the edges well so the cheese stays inside.
Shape into a loaf.

3. Wrap with Bacon

Lay bacon strips across the top, slightly overlapping.
Tuck bacon underneath the loaf.
Place on a rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.

4. Smoke the Meatloaf

Preheat smoker to 250°F (120°C).
Smoke for about 1½–2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Brush with BBQ glaze during the last 20–30 minutes.

5. Rest and Serve

Remove from smoker.
Rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Slice into thick “stack” portions.

BBQ Glaze

Mix together:

BBQ sauce
Ketchup
Brown sugar
Smoked paprika

Brush generously over the meatloaf before finishing.

Serving Ideas

Pair with:

🍟 Loaded fries
🥔 Garlic mashed potatoes
🌽 Grilled corn on the cob
🥗 Coleslaw
🥒 Pickle spears
🍞 Toasted brioche buns (turn slices into meatloaf burgers!)

Variations

Cheeseburger Meatloaf Sandwich

Place a thick slice on a toasted bun.
Add lettuce, pickles, onions, and burger sauce.

Spicy Bacon Stack

Add jalapeños and extra pepper jack cheese.

BBQ Ranch Version

Mix ranch seasoning into the meat and drizzle ranch over slices.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Warm covered in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 650
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 48 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 1,050 mg

🔥 Chef Tip: For the ultimate smoky cheeseburger flavor, use a blend of woods like hickory + cherry when smoking. The sweet smoke pairs perfectly with the bacon, beef, and cheese.

This Smoked Bacon Triple-Cheese Cheeseburger Meatloaf Stack is a bold, indulgent centerpiece—part BBQ masterpiece, part cheeseburger, and pure comfort food. 🥓🍔🧀