The cheeseburger meatloaf is a mouthwatering hybrid that brings the juicy, cheesy satisfaction of a classic cheeseburger into a comforting oven-baked form. This hearty dish takes familiar ingredients beef, cheddar, ketchup, mustard and transforms them into a warm and filling centerpiece your whole family will love. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill with bold flavor and simple steps. The gooey cheddar core offers a surprise in every slice, making it a standout on your dinner table. Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for the ultimate comfort meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup ketchup
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2 tablespoons yellow mustard
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 egg
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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Optional: pickles and extra cheese slices for topping
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
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On a piece of parchment paper or a cutting board, shape half of the meat mixture into a loaf base.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the center, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Place the remaining meat mixture over the top and seal the edges to enclose the cheese in the center.
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Transfer to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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If desired, add slices of cheese or pickles on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for added flair.
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Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Cheeseburger Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Classic with a Cheesy Twist
Few dishes hit the comfort food sweet spot quite like meatloaf, but when you fuse it with the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger, you get a dish that’s both nostalgic and new. Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a hearty, satisfying meal that packs all the juicy, savory elements of a cheeseburger ground beef, cheese, ketchup, mustard into one easy-to-make loaf.
This dish has earned its place at weeknight dinner tables and Sunday meal preps alike thanks to its simplicity, versatility, and crave-worthy taste. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, growing kids, or just yourself after a long day, Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a surefire winner that brings bold flavor and comforting familiarity.
Why Cheeseburger Meatloaf Works
At its core, Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a fusion dish combining the structure of traditional meatloaf with the flavor profile of an all-American cheeseburger. By infusing the meat mixture with ketchup, mustard, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, and stuffing it with gooey melted cheddar cheese, this recipe replicates the burger experience in every bite.
Unlike some meatloaf recipes that can turn out dry or bland, the inclusion of cheese in the center helps retain moisture and offers a creamy, melty texture that surprises and delights when sliced. The flavor echoes of a cheeseburger especially when topped with pickles or additional cheese near the end of baking create a comforting taste that feels both homey and indulgent.
A Brief History of Meatloaf and Its Evolution
Meatloaf has long been a staple in American kitchens, especially during the early 20th century when frugal cooking was essential. The dish allowed home cooks to stretch inexpensive cuts of meat with breadcrumbs and other fillers, creating a hearty, affordable meal that could feed a family.
Over the years, variations emerged to keep the classic meatloaf exciting. Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a relatively modern twist that likely grew in popularity due to its kid-friendly appeal and flavor-packed upgrade to the traditional loaf. It takes cues from diner culture think classic burgers, greasy spoons, and soda-fountain lunches and reimagines them in a family-friendly form that bakes in the oven.
Serving Suggestions for Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Cheeseburger Meatloaf is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few go-to options to complete your plate:
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Mashed potatoes – Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes complement the savory meat perfectly.
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Green beans or broccoli – Roasted or steamed vegetables add balance to the richness of the meatloaf.
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Potato wedges or French fries – Lean into the burger theme by serving this dish with crispy oven fries or seasoned wedges.
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A side salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
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Corn on the cob – Sweet corn works wonderfully with the tangy, savory flavor of the meatloaf.
You can also take a deconstructed burger approach by serving slices of the meatloaf on buns or sliders with pickles, lettuce, and tomato for a fun, casual presentation.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about Cheeseburger Meatloaf is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas to tweak the dish to your tastes or dietary preferences:
1. Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Wrap the loaf in bacon strips before baking or mix chopped cooked bacon directly into the meat mixture for a smoky, savory flavor punch.
2. Spicy Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese to give your loaf a spicy kick.
3. Low-Carb/Keto Version
Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds and use sugar-free ketchup and mustard.
4. Turkey or Chicken Version
Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add extra seasoning or a splash of olive oil to keep it moist.
5. Stuffed Veggie Add-Ins
Add chopped pickles, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms into the meat mixture or as a topping to enhance the cheeseburger feel.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This meatloaf stores and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers.
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze whole or in slices, wrapped in plastic wrap and foil or stored in freezer-safe containers, for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven until heated through. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Nutritional Overview
While nutrition can vary based on portion sizes and ingredients used, here’s a general overview for one serving of Cheeseburger Meatloaf:
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Calories: Approximately 400–450 kcal
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Protein: High in protein thanks to ground beef and cheese
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Fat: Moderate to high depending on fat content of beef and cheese
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Carbohydrates: Moderate, primarily from breadcrumbs and ketchup
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Fiber: Low unless served with vegetables
To make the dish leaner, opt for 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and reduce or substitute the breadcrumbs.
Why This Recipe is Great for Families
Parents often rave about Cheeseburger Meatloaf because it hits the sweet spot between comfort food and kid appeal. The flavors are familiar, and the cheesy center feels like a fun surprise turning even reluctant meatloaf eaters into fans.
It’s also a great way to introduce kids to more adventurous food concepts like stuffed entrees or combining spices and condiments into one cohesive flavor profile. Plus, it’s an easy meal to batch-cook or freeze for later, saving time and energy for busy weeknights.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Meatloaf
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Don’t overmix: Mixing the meat too much can make the loaf dense or tough. Combine ingredients just until they hold together.
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Let it rest: Allow the meatloaf to sit for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.
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Use a thermometer: Ensure internal temp hits 160°F (71°C) for safe cooking.
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Cheese variations: Don’t be afraid to mix in mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
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Glaze it: Brush the top with a blend of ketchup and mustard or even barbecue sauce before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion:
Cheeseburger Meatloaf brings together two beloved classics the cheeseburger and the meatloaf into one flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a nostalgic, home-cooked meal, this dish delivers every time.
It’s comforting, creative, and endlessly adaptable everything a great home-cooked recipe should be. So next time you’re debating what to make for dinner, skip the drive-thru and make Cheeseburger Meatloaf your go-to comfort food with a twist.