Cheeseburger Meatloaf: The Juicy Mash-Up of Two American Classics 🍔🍖
What happens when you take the all-American cheeseburger and the humble, hearty meatloaf and bring them together in one recipe?
You get Cheeseburger Meatloaf — a tender, savory loaf loaded with cheesy goodness, seasoned beef, and that nostalgic, feel-good flavor of a backyard burger. This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf. This is the meatloaf that even your pickiest eater will fight for seconds of.
With juicy beef, melty cheese, crispy edges, and a ketchup glaze that ties it all together, this meal brings maximum comfort with minimal effort.
🍔 Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Ultimate comfort food – It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger, packed into a loaf and baked to perfection.
Easy to prep – 10 minutes of hands-on time and the oven does the rest.
Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike go crazy for it.
Freezer-friendly – Make one now, save one for later.
Customizable – Add pickles, bacon, or spice it up your way.
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Here’s what you’ll need to build your cheeseburger meatloaf masterpiece:
For the Meatloaf:
2 pounds ground beef
Use 80/20 for juicy texture or leaner if preferred.
¾ cup fresh bread crumbs
Soaked in milk for added moisture (or use crushed crackers for crunch).
½ cup minced onion
Adds flavor and moisture.
2 large eggs, beaten
Acts as the binder.
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
For that cheeseburger tang.
2 tablespoons ketchup
Adds a sweet-savory depth.
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Mixed in and optionally layered in the center for gooey, melty bites.
For the Glaze:
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard
Optional: A dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil for free-form baking.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
Ground beef
Bread crumbs
Onion
Eggs
Salt & pepper
Mustard & ketchup
Shredded cheddar
Use clean hands or a spatula to mix gently — don’t overwork the meat or your loaf could become tough.
Optional: Stuff half the meat into the pan, sprinkle more cheese in the middle, then add the rest of the meat mixture over top for a cheesy center.
Step 3: Form the Loaf
Form into a loaf shape and place in your prepared pan or directly on a lined baking sheet for crispier edges.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together:
Ketchup
Brown sugar
Mustard
Optional hot sauce or Worcestershire
Spread a generous layer over the top of the loaf. Save a bit for brushing on halfway through baking if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to let the juices redistribute.
🧀 Tips for Meatloaf Success
Don’t pack the loaf too tightly – It needs room to breathe for tenderness.
Add moisture – If your mix looks dry, splash in a bit of milk or Worcestershire.
Let it rest – Prevents it from falling apart when sliced.
Use a meat thermometer – Ensures you don’t over- or under-cook.
🥓 Cheeseburger-Inspired Add-Ins & Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Mix in cooked crumbled bacon or lay strips over the top before baking.
Pickle Lover’s Twist
Chop up dill pickles or add pickle relish to the mix for tangy bites.
Spicy Jalapeño Kick
Toss in chopped jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
Stuffed Cheeseburger Loaf
Layer slices of American cheese in the center for a molten cheese core.
Low-Carb Option
Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
🥗 What to Serve with Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This dish pairs well with all the classic burger fixings — and then some:
Mashed potatoes or oven fries
Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
Macaroni salad or coleslaw
Baked beans or cornbread
Burger-style toppings: sliced pickles, onions, or a side of mustard/mayo
Want to really drive home the burger theme? Serve it on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato slices!
🧊 Storing & Freezing
Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Great for lunch sandwiches the next day!
Freeze:
Wrap the uncooked loaf tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Reheat:
Microwave slices with a splash of water or broth, or reheat in a 300°F oven covered with foil until hot.
🧾 Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble ahead: Prep the loaf and store it in the fridge (uncooked) up to 24 hours.
Bake ahead: Fully cook and reheat slices during the week for quick dinners.
📌 Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the kind of meal that brings smiles to the table. It’s nostalgic, juicy, and oh-so-cheesy — a true crowd-pleaser with barely any prep.
Whether you’re trying to win over a picky eater, reinvent classic meatloaf night, or just looking for something reliably delicious, this cheeseburger-inspired twist is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.