Who says you have to choose between a juicy cheeseburger and a comforting meatloaf? With our incredible Classic Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe, you get the best of both worlds! This dish takes all the beloved flavors of your favorite diner burger – savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and tangy burger condiments – and transforms them into a hearty, family-friendly dinner that's surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this innovative twist on a classic comfort food.
Why You'll Love This Classic Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This isn't just any meatloaf; it's a culinary hug in a loaf pan! Here's why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your household:
- Ultimate Comfort: It combines two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible dish.
- Flavor Explosion: Packed with burger-inspired seasonings and real cheddar cheese throughout.
- Easy & Convenient: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for weeknights.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love this fun and flavorful twist.
- Great Leftovers: Fantastic for next-day sandwiches or quick meals.
Ingredients You'll Need
To create this masterpiece, you'll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Make sure you have:
- Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is recommended for the best juiciness and flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or plain breadcrumbs work great for binding.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds that quintessential cheeseburger taste.
- Egg: Helps bind the meatloaf together.
- Onion: Finely chopped for flavor and moisture. When chopping, a quality chef's knife makes all the difference!
- Ketchup & Mustard: For that classic burger tang, both in the mix and for the glaze.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth of umami flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhance the savory profile.
How to Make Classic Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Creating this delicious meatloaf is straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a show-stopping dinner on your table in no time. For detailed measurements and step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe card below!
- Preheat your oven and prepare your loaf pan.
- Combine all ingredients (except half the cheese for topping) in a large bowl.
- Gently mix until just combined – avoid overmixing!
- Form into a loaf shape and place in the prepared pan.
- Brush with a simple ketchup-mustard glaze.
- Bake for the initial period.
- Add the remaining cheese and bake until melted and bubbly.
- Rest, slice, and serve!
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Don't Overmix Your Meat
This is crucial for a tender meatloaf. Overmixing ground beef can compress the proteins, resulting in a dense, tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Choose the Right Ground Beef
An 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat) ground beef blend is ideal. The fat content keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful. Leaner blends can result in a drier meatloaf.
Let it Rest
Once baked, allow your meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful slice.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This meatloaf is a complete meal in itself, but pairing it with classic sides truly completes the "cheeseburger" experience. Consider serving it with:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Oven-Baked Fries or Sweet Potato Fries
- A Fresh Green Salad with a tangy dressing
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Have more questions about making the perfect cheeseburger meatloaf? We've got answers!
FAQs
What kind of ground beef is best for cheeseburger meatloaf?
For the juiciest and most flavorful cheeseburger meatloaf, we recommend using an 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat) ground beef blend. The higher fat content ensures a moist texture and richer taste.
Can I prepare cheeseburger meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can mix all the meatloaf ingredients and form the loaf up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How do I prevent my meatloaf from drying out?
Several factors contribute to a moist meatloaf: using 80/20 ground beef, not overmixing the ingredients (which can make it tough), and allowing it to rest for 10 minutes after baking to redistribute juices. The added cheese and condiments in this recipe also help retain moisture.
What are some good side dishes for cheeseburger meatloaf?
Classic cheeseburger accompaniments like french fries, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad pair wonderfully. For a healthier option, roasted broccoli or green beans are excellent choices.
Classic Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
This savory Classic Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines the comforting flavors of your favorite burger into an easy-to-make family dinner, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided, 1/2 cup for mixture, 1/2 cup for topping)
1 large egg
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup ketchup, plus more for topping
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional: Pickles and sesame seeds for garnish (like a burger!)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, egg, chopped onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 4: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared loaf pan or onto the baking sheet.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of ketchup with 1 tablespoon of mustard for the glaze. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 8: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped pickles and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired, to enhance the cheeseburger theme.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture. This meatloaf also makes fantastic leftovers for sandwiches!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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