When you can’t decide between a juicy bacon cheeseburger and classic meatloaf, why not have both? Introducing BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Meatloaf—a mouthwatering hybrid that delivers the smoky, cheesy, bacon-loaded satisfaction of a burger in the form of convenient mini meatloaf sliders. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day spreads, or even meal prepping for the week, this recipe is fast, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to jazz up your standard meatloaf routine, these sliders hit every savory note. They’re kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable—making them a true MVP in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Meatloaf Sliders
- 🍔 Tastes like a cheeseburger, but even easier to make
- 🧀 Loaded with cheese and crispy bacon
- 🍽️ Perfect portion sizes for kids and adults
- 🕒 Quick prep and bake—ready in about 40 minutes
- 🧊 Great for freezing or meal prep
- 🥳 Party-friendly and easy to scale up for crowds
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean or 80/20 works best for flavor and moisture
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce – Use your favorite brand; smoky or sweet works great
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Regular or panko both work
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds a bold cheesy flavor
- 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled – Cooked until crisp and chopped or crumbled
Optional Add-ins: Diced onions, pickles, or a squirt of mustard for even more burger flavor.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)
- Spatula or tongs for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 4 slices crumbled bacon
Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a spoon until evenly incorporated.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix! Just combine until the ingredients are distributed. Overmixing can make the meat tough.
2️⃣ Shape into Sliders
Form the mixture into mini meatloaf “sliders”—about the size of a small burger patty or golf ball, then slightly flattened. Place them in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced an inch apart.
3️⃣ Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the sliders are no longer pink in the center and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Optional Finish: Brush a little extra BBQ sauce on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a sweet glaze.
4️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with slider buns, dipping sauces, or classic sides.
Delicious Ways to Serve BBQ Slider Meatloaf
These meatloaf sliders are endlessly versatile. Here are some fun ideas for serving:
- 🍞 On slider buns with pickles and lettuce, burger-style
- 🧀 Topped with more melted cheese and onions under the broiler
- 🍟 With classic sides like fries, coleslaw, or potato salad
- 🥬 Over mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a low-carb dinner
- 🍴 Skewered with a toothpick for an easy party appetizer
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
- If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tip: Add a splash of BBQ sauce before reheating to restore moisture.
Variations & Recipe Swaps
Here’s how to make this dish your own:
- 🥩 Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
- 🌶️ Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick
- 🧅 Mix in caramelized onions for extra flavor
- 🧄 Add minced garlic or garlic powder to boost savory notes
- 🧀 Try other cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack
Make It a Meal: Pairing Suggestions
Complete the comfort food experience with:
- 🥔 Garlic mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries
- 🥬 Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli
- 🥗 Simple side salad with ranch or balsamic dressing
- 🥤 Classic drink pairings: Iced tea, root beer, or a cold lager if you’re going the adult route
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this as one big meatloaf instead of sliders?
A: Yes! Just shape it into a loaf and bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 160°F.
Q: Can I prep these ahead?
A: Absolutely. Mix and shape the sliders, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I use store-bought bacon bits?
A: You can, but fresh cooked bacon adds the best flavor and texture.
Q: Do I need eggs in this recipe?
A: Surprisingly, no! The cheese and BBQ sauce help bind the mixture without needing eggs.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~20g
- Fat: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Sugar: ~4g
- Gluten-Free: If using gluten-free breadcrumbs
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Meatloaves are the perfect blend of comfort and fun, packed with flavor from smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce. They’re easy to make, easier to love, and a guaranteed hit for weeknight meals, parties, or potlucks.
Love This Recipe?
Don’t forget to share it with your fellow foodies and subscribe to the blog for more quick, crave-worthy recipes like this one. Every subscriber joins a flavorful journey full of easy dinners, bold flavors, and plenty of kitchen inspiration. 🍔🔥