Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

A Dinner Table Triumph

I’ll let you in on a secret: the best recipes are often born from a little bit of kitchen chaos and a serious craving. This Cheeseburger Meatloaf is one of those happy accidents. It was a rainy Tuesday, the kids were begging for burgers, and I had my heart set on the cozy, set-it-and-forget-it comfort of a classic meatloaf. Staring into the fridge, the solution became clear: why not both? The result was an instant family legend. The moment I pulled that golden-brown loaf from the oven, the rich, savory scent of sizzling beef and onions filled the kitchen. Slicing into it revealed a tender, juicy interior with a glorious, molten core of creamy, melted cheddar. It was the unanimous vote-winner, the ultimate comfort food mashup that turned an ordinary weeknight into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• It Solves the “What’s for Dinner?” Dilemma. It’s a familiar, crowd-pleasing flavor combination that everyone from kids to adults instantly recognizes and adores.

• Unbeatable Comfort Food. It delivers that satisfying, hearty, and nostalgic feeling in every single bite. This is the food that feels like a warm hug.

• Surprisingly Simple to Make. You don’t need any fancy techniques. It’s a straightforward, mix-and-bake situation that yields impressive results.

• The “Wow” Factor. The cheesy, saucy topping and the surprise cheesy center make it look and taste far more gourmet than the effort required.

The Picky Eater Seal of Approval

I was a little nervous serving this to my nephew, a renowned picky eater whose diet seems to consist solely of plain pasta and chicken nuggets. He eyed the slice on his plate with suspicion. But after one small, hesitant bite, he looked up and said, “This is like a giant cheeseburger. Can I have more?” That was the moment I knew this cheeseburger meatloaf recipe was a true keeper. It has that magical ability to win over even the toughest critics.

What Makes It Special

This isn’t your grandmother’s meatloaf. We’re borrowing the very best parts of a classic cheeseburger to create something extraordinary.

• The Savory Base: A blend of ground beef, finely minced onion, and Worcestershire sauce creates that foundational, umami-rich burger flavor.

• The “Secret Sauce”: Ketchup and yellow mustard are mixed right into the meat and swirled on top, replicating that iconic burger sauce in every layer.

• The Creamy, Melty Core: A generous log of sharp cheddar cheese stuffed right into the center ensures a gooey, cheesy surprise in every single slice.

• The Golden, Glazed Finish: A final topping of more ketchup and shredded cheese bakes up into a sticky, caramelized glaze that is utterly irresistible.

Making It Happen

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a standard loaf pan. Let’s start by creating the meat mixture. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, and your seasonings. I like to use my hands for this—it’s the best way to ensure everything is evenly mixed without overworking the meat. Remember, a light touch leads to a more tender meatloaf.

Now, for the fun part: the cheesy surprise. Take about two-thirds of the meat mixture and press it into the bottom and up the sides of your loaf pan, creating a sort of “canoe” or trench. Place your block of cheddar cheese right down the center. Then, carefully pack the remaining meat mixture over the top, sealing the cheese completely inside. Press the edges together to make sure your cheesy treasure is well-hidden.

Next, mix the simple glaze of ketchup and mustard and spread it generously over the top of the loaf. This will create that beautiful, caramelized finish. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. Then, sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar on top and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the meatloaf is cooked through.

The most important step? Let it rest. Once out of the oven, allow your cheeseburger meatloaf to sit in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it holds its shape when you slice it and doesn’t crumble apart.

You Must Know

• Don’t Overmix: Combine the ingredients just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.

• The Rest is Non-Negotiable: Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is the key to getting clean, perfect slices.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: For absolute precision, the internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C) in the meat portion.

• Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with your favorite melty cheese, like pepper jack for a kick or Swiss for a different flavor profile.

Serving It Up

This hearty cheeseburger meatloaf is a complete meal on its own, but it loves company! Serve a thick, warm slice alongside a pile of crispy, golden steak fries or creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. A simple, bright arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. For a beverage, a classic American lager or a chilled glass of iced tea are perfect, no-fuss pairings.

Make It Different

• Bacon Lover’s: Mix ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon into the meat mixture and sprinkle more on top with the cheese.

• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

• Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of ketchup or Worcestershire for moisture and flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or even rolled oats.

Storing and Reheating Your Masterpiece

• Storage: Allow the meatloaf to cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: For the best results, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. This helps keep the exterior from getting soggy. You can also microwave it, but the texture will be softer.

Success Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try sautéing the chopped onion in a little butter until soft and translucent before adding it to the meat mixture. If you find your meatloaf is browning too quickly on top, simply tent it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil. To make slicing even easier, use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cheeseburger meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire meatloaf, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed saltine crackers, panko, or even rolled oats are excellent substitutes that will work just fine.

My cheese all leaked out! What happened?
This usually means the cheese wasn’t completely sealed inside the meat. Make sure you have a good layer of meat underneath and on top, and press the seams firmly to seal. Letting it rest after baking also helps contain the cheese.

Can I freeze cheeseburger meatloaf?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Is it okay if it’s a little pink inside?
The pink color can sometimes come from the ketchup or other ingredients. The only true way to tell if it’s done is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 160°F (71°C).

Recipe Card: Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into a 1-inch log

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.

3. Press about two-thirds of the meat mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared loaf pan, creating a hollow in the center.

4. Place the block of cheddar cheese in the hollow. Top with ½ cup of the shredded cheddar.

5. Carefully pack the remaining meat mixture over the top, sealing the edges completely.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and mustard. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

7. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top.

8. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

9. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes
For a crispier exterior, you can form the meatloaf free-form on a parchment-lined baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan. Bake time may be slightly less.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 950mg