Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 large yellow onion, cut into 2-inch pieces

8 ounces button mushrooms, halved

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil

4 strips center-cut bacon, divided

5 tablespoons ketchup, divided

1/4 cup dill pickle relish

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat (see Tip)

2 pounds lean (90% or leaner) ground beef

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray (or see Loaf Pan Variation).

Pulse onion, mushrooms and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. (Or finely chop them with a knife.)

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.

Finely chop 2 slices bacon and add to the bowl with the vegetables. Add 3 tablespoons ketchup, relish and Worcestershire; stir to combine. Stir in egg and breadcrumbs. Add ground beef and with clean hands gently knead the vegetable mixture into the meat; do not overmix. Pat the meat mixture into a loaf shape (about 12 by 5 inches) on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons ketchup on top. Sprinkle cheese down the middle and place the remaining 2 slices of bacon on each side of the cheese.

Bake the meatloaf until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, about 45 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.