Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

In order to save money, we are eating at home more (although we eat at Taco Bell sometimes after working out at the YMCA... probably cheaper than eating at home!). I am also searching for new recipes to try... and here's a new one that was a huge hit with my family. We LOVE bacon (ahhhhh.... the smell!). (side note... two smells I just love.... bacon frying.... and coffee brewing.... but I don't think a bacon-frying candle would sell well....)

No, this is NOT the most heart-healthy recipe, but I did make it with turkey bacon, which is less fattening, and you could use a leaner beef.

Paula Deen's Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

1 pound ground chuck
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 (8-ounce) package sharp Cheddar, grated
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup bread crumbs, toasted
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 (3-ounce) can French fried onionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck and next 8 ingredients, mixing well.

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and mustard. Stir 1/4 cup ketchup mixture into meat mixture, reserving remaining ketchup mixture.

Press meat mixture into a 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan, or shape into a loaf and place on a rack in a broiler pan. Spread remaining ketchup mixture over loaf. Bake 40 minutes. Top with French fried onions; bake another 10 to 15 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink.