All the cheeseburger vibes, bite-size, and perfect for parties. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bites recipe.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bites
Servings
20–24 bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients
Meatloaf Bites
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1 lb ground beef (80/20)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup cooked bacon, finely chopped (about 6–8 slices)
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½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
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1 large egg
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¼ cup milk
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Glaze
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¼ cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Step-by-Step Directions
STEP 1: Preheat and Prep
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Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Prepare pan
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with silicone liners.
STEP 2: Mix the Meatloaf
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Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, add ground beef, cheddar cheese, bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. -
Mix gently
Use your hands or a spoon to mix just until combined.
Do not overmix or the bites will be dense.
STEP 3: Shape the Bites
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Fill muffin cups
Scoop the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top. -
Press lightly
Gently press down so the tops are level, but don’t pack tightly.
STEP 4: Add Glaze (Optional)
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Mix glaze
Stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. -
Top bites
Spoon a small amount of glaze onto each meatloaf bite.
STEP 5: Bake
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Bake
Place in oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until fully cooked and lightly browned. -
Check doneness
Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
STEP 6: Rest and Serve
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Cool slightly
Let bites rest for 5 minutes in the pan. -
Remove
Use a spoon to gently lift them out. -
Serve
Serve warm with dipping sauces like ketchup, burger sauce, or ranch.
Tips for Best Results
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Use thick-cut bacon for better texture
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Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor
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Drain bacon well to avoid greasy bites
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For crispier edges, broil for 2 minutes at the end
Variations
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Stuffed: Add a cheese cube in the center
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Spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce
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BBQ: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce
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Low-carb: Use pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs
Make-Ahead & Storage
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Refrigerate up to 3 days
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Freeze cooked bites up to 2 months
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Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture