Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Nothing says comfort food quite like this Cheeseburger Meatloaf. Juicy ground beef gets a melty cheddar twist and all the classic cheeseburger fixings mustard, ketchup, onions—baked into one glorious loaf. Topped with a tangy glaze and optionally finished with pickle slices, it’s everything you love about a cheeseburger, served fork-and-knife style. Perfect for busy weeknights or nostalgic Sunday dinners, this dish brings the best of two all-American classics into a single, satisfying recipe. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks and crowd-pleasing enough to serve guests. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a simple salad to complete the ultimate comfort meal.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: pickle slices for garnish

Glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until well combined—avoid overmixing.

3. Transfer the meat mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet or loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar to make the glaze.

5. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with pickle slices if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 435 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Nostalgic Marriage of Two American Classics

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a brilliant fusion of two of America’s most beloved comfort foods — the classic cheeseburger and the traditional meatloaf. It takes everything we love about a juicy cheeseburger — the seasoned beef, gooey melted cheddar, tangy ketchup and mustard, and sometimes even pickles — and transforms it into a hearty, baked dish that’s warm, filling, and nostalgic.

The meatloaf has deep roots in American cuisine, tracing back to the early 20th century when families found innovative ways to stretch their protein using breadcrumbs, eggs, and inexpensive cuts of meat. On the other hand, the cheeseburger emerged as a fast food favorite in the 1920s and quickly became a cultural icon. This Cheeseburger Meatloaf blends the rustic familiarity of meatloaf with the bold, crave-worthy flavors of a cheeseburger, creating a dish that’s both comforting and crave-inducing.

Why This Cheeseburger Meatloaf Is So Special

There are countless meatloaf variations, but this one stands out for several reasons:

1. Ultimate Flavor Combination
   By incorporating ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cheddar cheese, and seasonings directly into the meat mixture, this recipe brings all the iconic cheeseburger flavors into every bite. The glaze on top, made with ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar, caramelizes as it bakes, adding a rich, tangy-sweet layer that enhances the savory interior.
2. Melted Cheese in Every Bite
   Unlike traditional meatloaf, which might include cheese as an afterthought, this recipe fully embraces cheddar cheese as a core ingredient. The cheese is folded directly into the meat mixture, creating pockets of melty, savory richness throughout the loaf.
3. Tender and Juicy Texture
   The combination of eggs and breadcrumbs helps bind the meatloaf without making it dense. Using ground beef with enough fat content (ideally 80/20) ensures the loaf stays moist and tender during baking.
4. Family-Friendly and Customizable
   Cheeseburger Meatloaf appeals to adults and kids alike. It’s an ideal solution for picky eaters and busy households. Plus, it can easily be customized — you can sneak in finely chopped veggies like carrots or bell peppers, swap cheddar for a different cheese, or even use ground turkey for a lighter version.
5. Meal Prep and Leftovers Dream
   One of the best things about this dish is how well it stores. You can prepare it ahead of time and freeze it either before or after baking. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for weekly meal planning. Some people even enjoy cold slices in a sandwich — the ultimate lunchbox upgrade!

Health and Nutrition Benefits

While meatloaf and cheeseburgers are often labeled as indulgent, this recipe offers a number of potential benefits when prepared with attention to ingredients:

• Protein-Packed
  With 2 lbs of ground beef and eggs, this recipe provides a solid source of protein per serving — essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.
• Balanced Macros
  The combination of protein, fats, and moderate carbs (from breadcrumbs) creates a balanced, satisfying meal that helps keep you full longer.
• Calcium and Vitamins
  Cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, while onions and optional pickle toppings can contribute small amounts of vitamin C and gut-friendly probiotics.
• Homemade = Healthier
  Making this at home means you control the quality and quantity of ingredients. Use grass-fed beef, organic cheese, or whole grain breadcrumbs for a cleaner version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Let’s break down some of the key ingredients that make this recipe shine:

• Ground Beef: The base of this meatloaf. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance between moisture and structure.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers a bold flavor, but feel free to explore mozzarella for a stretchier texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Breadcrumbs: Act as a binder, absorbing excess moisture and preventing the meatloaf from crumbling.
• Ketchup & Mustard: Essential for that cheeseburger taste — their acidity and tang cut through the richness of the meat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A small addition with big umami impact, enhancing depth of flavor.
• Onions: Add sweetness and texture. You can sauté them for a milder flavor or leave them raw for more bite.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cheeseburger Meatloaf

1. Don’t Overmix:
Once the ingredients are added, mix until just combined. Overworking the meat can make the loaf dense and tough.

2. Use a Meat Thermometer:
To avoid overbaking or undercooking, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. You’re aiming for 160°F (71°C).

3. Shape Matters:
For even cooking, form your loaf evenly — not too tall, not too flat. If using a baking sheet rather than a loaf pan, shape it with your hands and line the pan with parchment for easy cleanup.

4. Let it Rest:
Once baked, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes. This helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier.

5. Glaze it Twice (Optional):
For a deeper glaze, brush half of the sauce on the loaf before baking, then add the remaining half in the last 15 minutes of baking.

Delicious Serving Ideas

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Here are some winning pairings:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these are a perfect canvas for the rich meatloaf flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, and Brussels sprouts provide a nutritious contrast.
• Macaroni & Cheese: Double down on the cheesy goodness for an indulgent meal.
• Simple Garden Salad: A light and crunchy side balances the meal with freshness.
• Pickles or Coleslaw: These add a zingy contrast to the warm, savory meatloaf.

Variations to Try

Want to shake things up while sticking to the cheeseburger theme? Try one of these variations:

• Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Wrap the loaf in bacon strips or mix chopped bacon into the meat for smoky, crispy flavor.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add chopped jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese.
• Mini Meatloaves: Form into muffin tins for individual portions — great for kids or lunch prep.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
• Stuffed Version: Form half the meat into a loaf base, add a layer of cheese or pickles, and cover with the remaining mixture.

Why Cheeseburger Meatloaf Belongs in Your Recipe Box

There are plenty of reasons this recipe deserves a permanent place in your meal rotation:

• It’s easy to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients.
• It brings bold, crowd-pleasing flavors to your dinner table.
• It stores and reheats beautifully, perfect for leftovers.
• It’s endlessly customizable — make it spicy, smoky, leaner, or low-carb.

• It blends the comfort of meatloaf with the universal appeal of cheeseburgers

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual gathering, Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a smart and satisfying choice that feels both familiar and exciting. It brings back memories of diners, barbecues, and weeknight family dinners  but with a modern twist that makes it feel new again.