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: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Dinner

Name: Classic Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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!)

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

Scale

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!)

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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