Cheeseburger Meatloaf

The Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the perfect comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed. It brings all the juicy, cheesy goodness of a classic cheeseburger and transforms it into a hearty, oven-baked meatloaf that’s perfect for cozy dinners at home.

Each slice is bursting with flavor—from the savory blend of beef and cheddar to the nostalgic ketchup topping that caramelizes perfectly while baking. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this easy recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and bring smiles to the table.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons ketchup (plus more for topping)

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

4. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or a foil-lined sheet pan. Shape it into a loaf.

5. Spread an extra layer of ketchup on top for a tangy glaze.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

7. Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Hearty Classic with a Cheeseburger Twist: Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food fusion that combines the best of two beloved American dishes: the juicy cheeseburger and the classic meatloaf. This recipe brings bold, nostalgic flavors to the dinner table in an entirely new form. Imagine a warm, oven-baked loaf filled with melted cheddar cheese, seasoned ground beef, and a tangy ketchup glaze—it’s everything you love about cheeseburgers, baked into a cozy, sliceable main dish.

While traditional meatloaf has its well-earned spot in American culinary history, it’s sometimes considered old-fashioned or too plain. Cheeseburger Meatloaf turns that idea on its head by infusing bold burger flavor into a homestyle presentation. This dish is all about balance—savory, cheesy, slightly sweet from the ketchup glaze, and juicy without being greasy. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving something hearty and familiar with a twist.

Why Cheeseburger Meatloaf Works

What makes this dish so satisfying is its rich blend of ingredients that mimic the components of a cheeseburger. Ground beef acts as the foundation, providing that meaty bite you expect from a burger. Cheddar cheese is folded into the mixture, ensuring that each slice melts in your mouth with gooey richness. A mixture of breadcrumbs, egg, and milk keeps the loaf moist while holding everything together, and the classic burger condiments—ketchup and mustard—are incorporated into the mixture to add that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor profile.

Unlike burgers, which are often grilled or pan-fried quickly, this meatloaf is baked slowly in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to caramelize. The result is a warm, flavorful centerpiece that satisfies both meatloaf and cheeseburger lovers alike.

The Power of Simplicity

Part of this dish’s charm lies in how uncomplicated it is to prepare. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create something that feels a bit nostalgic yet excitingly new. Most of the components are pantry staples—ground beef, cheddar, ketchup, breadcrumbs, and egg. This makes it an excellent recipe for busy families or anyone looking for a no-fuss, satisfying meal.

The preparation time is minimal, typically under 15 minutes, and the oven does the rest. It’s a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality it’s one of the easiest comfort meals to whip up.

Customization and Variations

One of the best things about Cheeseburger Meatloaf is how customizable it is. If you’re someone who enjoys creative spins on classic recipes, this dish is a great canvas.

• Different Cheeses: While cheddar is the most classic choice, you can switch things up with Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a bolder profile.

• Add-ins: Diced pickles, cooked bacon bits, or sautéed mushrooms can be folded into the mixture for added flavor and texture.

• Spice Level: If you like a little heat, try adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.

• Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make it keto-friendly.

• Toppings: In addition to the ketchup glaze, you can top it with sliced tomatoes, crispy onions, or even a layer of melted cheese before serving.

This recipe also works well for leftovers—slice a piece and place it between two buns with some extra ketchup and lettuce for a meatloaf sandwich that brings things full circle back to its cheeseburger roots.

Family-Friendly Appeal

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a hit with both kids and adults. The flavor is familiar, comforting, and fun, especially for picky eaters who might shy away from traditional meatloaf. The cheesy center and the ketchup glaze add enough excitement to win over even the most hesitant dinner guest.

If you’re planning meals for a family, this dish easily serves 4–6 people and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or even a simple garden salad go beautifully with it.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This dish isn’t just great for dinner—it’s also fantastic for meal prep. Cheeseburger Meatloaf stores well in the fridge and even freezes beautifully. Once cooked, you can let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in foil or an airtight container.

To reheat, simply microwave slices for 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire loaf in the oven at 300°F until heated through. The flavors deepen after a day or two, making leftovers arguably even better than the original meal.

For busy households, this meatloaf can be prepped ahead of time. Mix all ingredients, form into a loaf, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a game-changer for meal planning and ensures you’ll always have something comforting ready to go.

Perfect Pairings

Cheeseburger Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of side dishes. You can lean into the classic diner vibe with sides like:

• Creamy mashed potatoes with brown gravy

• Crispy oven fries or sweet potato wedges

• Steamed green beans or buttered corn

• Macaroni and cheese

• Toasted buns with butter and garlic

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a side of dipping sauces—ranch, spicy mayo, or even barbecue sauce. The dish is versatile enough to fit any mood or menu.

Entertaining with Comfort

If you’re hosting a casual dinner party or potluck, this meatloaf is a fantastic centerpiece. It slices cleanly, presents well, and delivers big on flavor. You can serve it on a wooden board with pickles and sides for a rustic, family-style look. For a fancier twist, plate it individually with piped mashed potatoes and a drizzle of glaze for a more refined presentation.

It’s also perfect for holidays when you want to switch things up from the traditional turkey or ham. Think of it as a comfort food showstopper—unexpected, but universally loved.

Nutritional Value and Balance

Despite being rich and hearty, Cheeseburger Meatloaf can be part of a balanced diet. Using lean ground beef keeps fat content in check, and by adding a fresh vegetable side or serving it with a salad, you’ve got a well-rounded meal.

Protein-packed and satisfying, it can also help keep you full longer—making it ideal for those looking to avoid frequent snacking or carb-heavy dinners.

For an even healthier twist, consider blending in some shredded carrots, zucchini, or spinach into the meat mixture. These not only boost the nutritional value but also add moisture and flavor.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a genius reinvention of two classics, capturing everything we love about homestyle meatloaf and juicy cheeseburgers in a single, satisfying dish. Its nostalgic flavors, easy preparation, and flexibility make it a staple recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting and cheesy, this dish delivers every single time.

With a crispy glaze on the outside, a tender, cheesy inside, and endless possibilities for customization, Cheeseburger Meatloaf proves that comfort food can still surprise and delight. If you’re ready to impress your family or guests with a new favorite, this dish should be at the top of your list.