Okay, picture this: I’m Is it a Wednesday night, the kids are screaming for burgers, but you’re craving something sweet? More… What is a cheeseburger meatloaf? What are some classic cheeseburger flavors? How do you make melty cheese? If you love meatloaf, prepare to be amazed because this takes it to a whole other level.
What is cheeseburger meatloaf?
Think of it as your favorite cheeseburger, but in meatloaf form! It’s essentially GROUND BEEF meatloaf packed with all the fixings you’d normally find on a juicy steak. What are some good cheeses to make? What’s the genius part about baking it all together, so the flavors meld into this incredible symphony of flavors. What are some savory, tangy, and chee How do I satisfy my cravings for burgers without using the grill? I love chilly evenings.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is a cheeseburger meatloaf? What I love most is how it manages to be both incredibly flavorful and ridiculously easy to make. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps. What are some good, honest comfort food recipes that the whole family will enjoy?
- Flavor explosion: WhatEvery bite is a burst of cheeseburger goodness. The combination of savory beef, tangy pickles, and creamy cheese is just irresistible.
- Simple ingredients: aYou probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge already. What’s a win in my book?
- Budget friendlyIs ground beef an affordable protein? What is breaking the bank?
- What is a weekWhat is a good recipe for preparing dinner for the week? Is it safe to cook a chicken in the oven?
What would happen if a meatloaf and chowder had sex? What was the most delicious baby you have ever had? What is your favorite cheeseburger recipe? Is this a fun twist on the classic movie?
How do you make a cheeseburger?
Quick Overview
How do you make a cheeseburger? What’s the best way to make a burger? What is the best way to make a loaf, top it with cheese, and bake it until it’s cooked through? The magic is in the layering of flavors, and trust me, it’s worth every minute of effort. Even on my laziest days, I can whip this up no problem!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
– 2 pounds ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but leaner works too)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped (yellow or white, your preference)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (I use plain, but Italian seasoned is also good)
– 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2% works best, but I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch and it’s been great).
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon, again, your call!
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Filling:
– 1/2 cup Dill Pickle relish (or chopped pickles, if you prefer)
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese for burgers) (optional)
For the Glaze:
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon mustard
How do I learn step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also grease it with butter or oil. How do you remove meatloaf from oven? What are some of the most important steps you should follow before starting this step?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Whisk them together to make sure everything is evenly distributed. What are some tips for preparing meatloaf?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated so it doesn’t cook unevenly in the meatloaf.
Step 4: Combine
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well. Add GROUND BEEF and chopped onion. Mix well. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. How do you cook meatloaf? I always use my hands for this part – it’s just easier to get everything mixed evenly!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the Dill Pickle relish (or chopped pickles) and shredded cheddar. Set aside. What makes this meatloaf from good to amazing? What are some ways to add bacon to a filling?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Half of the meatloaf mixture should be poured into a loaf pan. Cover with foil. Then, spread the pickle and cheese filling evenly over the meatloaf. Top with remaining meatloaf mixture and gently press it down. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard and ketchup for the glaze. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 7: Bake
Is meatloaf cooked through? The internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). I always use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked perfectly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the meatloaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. What is the best way to make meatloaf more moist? I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it is worth it!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the meatloaf and serve it warm. This is best served with a side of your favorite burger toppings, like lettuce, tomato, and onion. And don’t forget the fries!
What to Serve It With
This Cheeseburger Meatloaf is pretty amazing on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
For a classic burger experience: Serve it with french fries, onion rings, and all your favorite burger toppings, like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Don’t forget the ketchup and mustard!
For a healthier meal: Serve it with a side salad and some roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. This is a great way to balance out the richness of the meatloaf.
For a potluck or party: Slice it up and serve it on slider buns with all the fixings. This is always a crowd-pleaser!
For cozy snacks: Cut into cubes and serve with toothpicks as appetizers for game day or casual gatherings.
My family also loves it with mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food combination! Honestly, you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose to serve it with. The most important thing is to enjoy it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Over the years, I’ve made this Cheeseburger Meatloaf countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for perfecting your meatloaf:
Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture: Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough and dry. Mix it just until everything is combined.
Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that the meatloaf is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing: This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.
Customize the filling to your liking: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, pickles, and other toppings. You can even add some chopped bacon or jalapenos for a spicy kick!
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, crushed crackers work great too. Also, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Get creative with the glaze: Add a little bit of Brown Sugar or molasses to the glaze for a sweeter flavor. Or, add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick!
baking tips: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on it! If you notice the top browning too fast, you can loosely tent it with foil to prevent burning.
Trust me on this one – these tips will help you make the best Cheeseburger Meatloaf ever!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Cheeseburger Meatloaf (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled down before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: For best results, I usually reheat the meatloaf without the glaze and then add a fresh glaze after reheating. This keeps the glaze from getting too sticky or burnt.
To reheat, you can microwave it, bake it in the oven, or pan-fry it. Just make sure it’s heated through before serving. Microwaving is quickest, but the oven keeps it most moist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe! It’s a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that everyone will love. I truly believe this recipe is a winner, and I can’t wait for you to try it! This is more than just a recipe to me, it is a taste of home. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do!
If you’re a fan of easy and delicious comfort food recipes, be sure to check out my other meatloaf recipes, like my Classic Meatloaf or my Turkey Meatloaf. And if you try this Cheeseburger Meatloaf, please let me know what you think in the comments below! I love hearing from you and seeing your creations.
Happy cooking!
Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 blend recommended
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Plain or seasoned
- 1 egg Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 0.25 cup Chopped Onion
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and onion. Gently mix until combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until cooked through.
