Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8 slices
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal

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Introduction

If you love juicy cheeseburgers and crave the comforting heartiness of a classic meatloaf, this Cheeseburger Meatloaf brings the best of both worlds straight to your dinner table. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned ground beef loaded with melty cheddar cheese, tangy ketchup, and savory breadcrumbs — baked to golden perfection and topped with a glaze reminiscent of your favorite burger sauce.

This recipe combines everything you love about an old-fashioned cheeseburger — the rich beef, gooey cheese, and tangy sauce — but transforms it into an easy, family-style baked dish. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas and guarantees smiles at the table.

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal, a potluck, or a Sunday dinner, this Cheeseburger Meatloaf delivers comfort, nostalgia, and big flavor in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food favorite: Classic flavors everyone loves.

• Melty, cheesy interior: Real cheddar adds gooey texture and burger-like richness.

• Kid-approved: Familiar flavors make it perfect for picky eaters.

• Meal-prep friendly: Reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners later in the week.

• Customizable: Add bacon, pickles, or jalapeños for fun variations.

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Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

• ½ cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup onion, finely chopped

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze:

• ⅓ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon mustard

• 1 tablespoon pickle juice or apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 4–5 slices cooked bacon, chopped

• 2 tablespoons diced pickles

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a BBQ-style flavor

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Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl

• Loaf pan (9×5-inch) or baking sheet lined with foil

• Whisk or fork

• Mixing spoon or spatula

• Meat thermometer (recommended)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep (5 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease your loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

Intensity Level: Low – Simple prep before the cooking fun begins.

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Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients (10 minutes)

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Milk

• Eggs

• Ketchup

• Mustard

• Worcestershire sauce

• Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper

Once mixed, stir in breadcrumbs and let them soak for a minute — this helps lock in moisture.

Then, add ground beef, chopped onion, and cheddar cheese.
Mix gently using your hands or a spatula until everything is just combined.

Avoid overmixing — too much handling can make the meatloaf dense.

Intensity Level: Moderate – You’re getting hands-on, but keep it easy and light.

Chef’s Tip: For extra cheesiness, add half the cheese now and reserve the rest to sprinkle inside or on top before baking.

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Step 3: Shape and Fill (5 minutes)

Transfer the meat mixture onto your prepared baking pan or loaf pan.
Shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 3–4 inches wide.

If you want a “stuffed cheeseburger” effect, flatten half the mixture, sprinkle the remaining cheese in the center, and top with the rest of the meat mixture. Seal the edges to keep the cheese inside as it melts.

Intensity Level: Low – A little shaping and pressing, easy and fun to do.

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Step 4: Prepare the Glaze (3 minutes)

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Ketchup

• Brown sugar

• Mustard

• Pickle juice or vinegar

Spread half the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking. Reserve the rest for basting later.

This tangy-sweet sauce gives your Cheeseburger Meatloaf that signature “burger topping” flavor.

Intensity Level: Low – Quick whisking; this step adds major flavor payoff.

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Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf (45–55 minutes)

Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Halfway through baking, brush the remaining glaze on top for that shiny, caramelized finish.

You’ll know it’s done when the top is slightly crisp, and melted cheese oozes slightly from the sides.

Intensity Level: Low – Just monitor baking; your kitchen will smell incredible!

Chef’s Tip: If baking free-form on a sheet pan, use foil to catch drips and let more edges caramelize for a crustier finish.

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Step 6: Rest and Slice (10 minutes)

Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
This step is crucial — it allows juices to redistribute, keeping your meatloaf moist and sliceable.

Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley, diced pickles, or crispy bacon bits for a fun cheeseburger-inspired touch.

Intensity Level: Low – Just patience here. Resting makes all the difference.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve thick slices of Cheeseburger Meatloaf with classic burger sides like:

• Mashed potatoes or oven fries

• Roasted vegetables

• Coleslaw or macaroni salad

• Garlic bread for extra comfort

You can even serve leftovers on toasted buns for actual meatloaf sandwiches — a genius way to enjoy it twice!

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Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Meatloaf

1. Use ground beef with some fat (80/20): Leaner meat can turn dry.

2. Add moisture: Milk, eggs, and ketchup keep the meatloaf juicy.

3. Don’t overmix: Combine until just blended.

4. Let it rest: Slicing too soon causes juices to run out.

5. Try different cheeses: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack add new flavor twists.

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Flavor Variations

• Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Mix in cooked bacon pieces or layer them on top before baking.

• BBQ Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.

• Spicy Jalapeño Meatloaf: Add chopped jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a kick.

• Low-Carb Option: Skip breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

• Mini Cheeseburger Meatloaves: Divide into muffin tins and bake for 25–30 minutes for individual servings.

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes.

Pro Tip: Add a small splash of broth or ketchup before reheating to keep it moist.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and varies based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Difficulty Intensity Breakdown

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Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Meatloaf captures the soul of a juicy cheeseburger and the comfort of home-cooked meatloaf all in one dish. With its perfectly seasoned beef, melted cheddar pockets, and tangy glaze, it’s pure comfort food — simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough for Sunday dinner.

Every slice is tender, flavorful, and layered with nostalgia. Serve it hot from the oven with your favorite sides, or slice leftovers into sandwiches for an easy lunch the next day.

Whether you’re a meatloaf enthusiast or just looking to reinvent your burger night, this recipe delivers that familiar flavor in a whole new way.

So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food — one that’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come.