On a busy weeknight I often reach for recipes that feel like a classic dinner but come together fast, and that memory of stacking a cheeseburger on a plate became the idea behind a meatloaf that tastes like a burger but bakes in one pan.
Why You’ll Love It
This Cheeseburger Meatloaf turns familiar flavors into a hands-off weeknight hero, the whole family recognizes the ketchup mustard cheddar combo, and it reheats well for lunches, so it fits dinner routines where time and taste both matter.
Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes |
Cook Time: 60 minutes |
Total Time: 75 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef 80 20
- 3 4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 4 cup dill pickle, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup for the mix
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard for the mix
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 2 cup ketchup for the glaze
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar for the glaze
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard for the glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F and lightly oil a loaf pan or line it with parchment.
- In a large bowl combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, diced onion, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, Worcestershire, chopped pickles, salt, and pepper, mix gently until just combined.
- Fold in 3 4 cup shredded cheddar, leaving a little for the top.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it evenly, smoothing the top.
- Mix 1 2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon mustard in a small bowl to make the glaze.
- Spread half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, reserve the rest for later.
- Bake uncovered for 50 minutes, then brush with the remaining glaze and sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top, bake another 10 minutes until an instant read thermometer reads 160 F in the center.
- Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes in the pan before slicing so it holds together, serve with extra pickle slices on the side.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey Cheeseburger Meatloaf swap ground beef for ground turkey and reduce baking time by 5 10 minutes, keeps it lighter.
- Double Cheese add a layer of American or Swiss cheese in the center for a melty core.
- Bacon Topped press cooked bacon strips on top before the final glaze for smoky crunch.
- Low Carb omit breadcrumbs and add 1 4 cup grated parmesan with an extra egg to bind.
Make Ahead: You can mix the meatloaf mixture and press it into the pan up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake from cold adding about 10 minutes to the bake time; cooked leftovers keep well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and freeze in slices for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf without breadcrumbs
Yes, replace breadcrumbs with 1 4 cup grated parmesan and an extra egg to help bind and keep it moist
How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out
Use 80 20 ground beef, avoid overmixing, and remove from the oven once the center reaches 160 F then rest before slicing
Can I freeze this meatloaf
Yes, bake it, cool completely, slice and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Can I make individual portions
You can shape into mini loaves or meatloaf muffins and reduce baking time to 25 30 minutes depending on size
Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This Cheeseburger Meatloaf turns familiar flavors into a hands-off weeknight hero, the whole family recognizes the ketchup mustard cheddar combo, and it reheats well for lunches, so it fits dinner routines where time and taste both matter.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef 80 20
- 3 4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 4 cup dill pickle, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup for the mix
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard for the mix
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 2 cup ketchup for the glaze
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar for the glaze
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard for the glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F and lightly oil a loaf pan or line it with parchment.
- In a large bowl combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, diced onion, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, Worcestershire, chopped pickles, salt, and pepper, mix gently until just combined.
- Fold in 3 4 cup shredded cheddar, leaving a little for the top.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it evenly, smoothing the top.
- Mix 1 2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon mustard in a small bowl to make the glaze.
- Spread half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, reserve the rest for later.
- Bake uncovered for 50 minutes, then brush with the remaining glaze and sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top, bake another 10 minutes until an instant read thermometer reads 160 F in the center.
- Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes in the pan before slicing so it holds together, serve with extra pickle slices on the side.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a practical, trustable recipe for weeknights when you want that burger flavor without the fuss, it cooks in one pan, stretches to lunches, and invites small experiments like extra cheese or bacon; trust the simple steps, use a thermometer, and enjoy a familiar dinner that feels both comforting and efficient.
