All the flavor of a bacon cheeseburger, except the bun, in every delicious bite.

Bacon Cheese-Burger Loaf

4 slices bacon

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

3/4 cup quick-cooking oats

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - divided use

1 large sweet onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing

1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickle

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 large egg

1/4 cup tomato ketchup

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until limp and some of the fat is rendered, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet; drain on paper towel and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together meat, oats, 1/2 cup cheese, onion, dressing, dill pickle, mustard, salt, pepper, and egg.
4. Pat mixture into a shallow 2-quart baking pan.
5. Spread top of loaf with ketchup; lay bacon strips over ketchup.
6. Bake until loaf is firm and bacon is crisp, 45 to 50 minutes.
7. Sprinkle loaf with remaining 1/2 cup cheese during last 5 minutes of baking.
8. Let meatloaf stand in the baking dish for 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 servings.