Cheeseburger Meatloaf

If you love a juicy cheeseburger and also crave a hearty meatloaf, this Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe is your perfect comfort food mashup! It’s packed with all the flavors you’d expect in a great burger—seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, ketchup, mustard, and even a pickle-inspired kick—all baked into a tender, flavorful loaf.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Burger Flavors – It’s like biting into your favorite cheeseburger in meatloaf form.
Melty Cheese Center – A delicious surprise of melted cheddar in the middle.
Kid & Family Friendly – A guaranteed hit with picky eaters and burger lovers alike.
Easy Weeknight Dinner – Simple ingredients and quick prep make it a go-to recipe.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day, and perfect for sandwiches!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf:
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
2 large eggs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup dill pickle relish (or chopped pickles)
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Topping:
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp brown sugar

Optional Garnish:
Chopped chives or parsley
Extra shredded cheddar on top

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Loaf pan (9×5) or baking sheet
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon or your hands
Foil (optional, for covering during baking)
Sharp knife for slicing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ¾ cup shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Use clean hands or a large spoon to gently mix until fully combined—don’t overmix, or the meatloaf could be dense.

Step 3: Form and Fill the Loaf
Take half of the meat mixture and press it into the loaf pan or shape into a rectangle on a baking sheet.
Create a shallow indentation in the center and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheddar in the middle.
Top with the rest of the meat mixture and seal the edges, so the cheese stays tucked inside.

Step 4: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar.
Spread the sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf for a glossy, flavorful glaze.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
If the top starts to brown too much, tent loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Slice
Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
This helps lock in the juices and makes slicing easier.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped chives, parsley, or extra shredded cheese if desired.
Slice and serve with your favorite burger-style sides.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Use Fresh Ground Beef – 80/20 is ideal for juicy results.
Shred Your Own Cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t Overmix – Gentle mixing keeps the loaf tender.
Let It Rest – Always rest meatloaf before slicing to keep it juicy.
Customize Your Fillings – Add chopped bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or jalapeños for a twist!

Serving Suggestions
Classic Combo – Serve with fries, potato wedges, or sweet potato mash.
Burger Vibes – Add a side of coleslaw, pickles, or a simple lettuce-tomato salad.
Sandwich Style – Slice leftovers and serve on buns with lettuce and tomato.
Comfort Food Plate – Pair with mac and cheese and roasted green beans.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store cooled meatloaf slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Wrap in foil and reheat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat slices on medium power in 30-second intervals.
Skillet: Warm slices over low heat with a splash of broth for extra moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes! Just reduce baking time slightly and check for doneness at 165°F.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
   Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Swiss also work great.
3. Do I need to use a loaf pan?
   Not at all—shaping it on a baking sheet works well and gives more surface for browning.
4. Can I make it ahead?
   Absolutely! Assemble the meatloaf, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
5. How do I know it’s done?
   Use a meat thermometer to check for 160°F internal temperature in the center.

Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Meatloaf brings together the best of both worlds—comforting, juicy meatloaf with all the nostalgic flavors of a classic cheeseburger. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and a guaranteed hit for the whole family. Whether served with fries or mashed potatoes, it’s a satisfying, feel-good dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your photos and reviews—I’d love to hear how your loaf turns out!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 620mg

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