Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate union of two American comfort food legends—a homestyle meatloaf, packed with flavor and juiciness, and all the best parts of a cheeseburger, including gooey cheese, zippy pickles, and a ketchup-mustard glaze.
This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a craveable, family-friendly dinner that’s equal parts retro fun and weeknight reliability. Slicing into this loaf reveals pockets of melty cheddar, savory beef, and hints of onion, garlic, and classic burger seasonings, topped with a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes in the oven for irresistible appeal.
If you grew up with meatloaf as a staple, Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a clever, playful update that’s sure to win over grown-ups, picky eaters, and anyone who loves the rich taste of a backyard burger. Serve with crispy potatoes, a simple salad, and extra pickles for a plate that satisfies from first bite to last. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your dinner rotation or impress with a potluck favorite, this meatloaf delivers everything you want, minus the grill.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles (plus more for topping, optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
Glaze
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Foundations: Why Cheeseburger Meatloaf Works
Traditional meatloaf is beloved for its rich, satisfying flavor, easy preparation, and knack for stretching ingredients to feed a crowd. Cheeseburger Meatloaf takes those virtues to new heights by infusing all the best elements of a diner cheeseburger—sweet-and-savory glaze, tangy pickles, melty cheese—into the heart of a classic family dish.
The addition of cheese baked right inside ensures every forkful is creamy and moist, and breadcrumbs and eggs bind everything together for the perfect sliceable texture.
The ketchup-mustard glaze, brushed on before and during baking, is a nod to secret burger sauces everywhere, offering that glossy, caramelized sweetness meatloaf fans crave. With the right blend of aromatics, seasonings, and simple pantry staples, this recipe proves that comfort food can be both familiar and surprising.
Step-by-Step Preparation and Technique
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and top with a rack, or oil a large loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic, pickles, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs. Mix gently with clean hands or a wooden spoon just until everything is evenly incorporated—careful not to overwork, which keeps the meatloaf tender.
If using a loaf pan, press mixture in firmly, smoothing the top. For a free-form loaf, shape into a roughly 9-by-5-inch rectangle on the prepared rack. This allows fat to drain away, helping the loaf brown evenly and hold its shape.
In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar for the glaze. Spread half evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 40–45 minutes (loaf pan: 50–60), or until nearly cooked through.
Remove from the oven, spread with remaining glaze, and sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top if you like gooey, bubbling pockets of cheese. Return to oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the meatloaf is deeply browned, the cheese is melted, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
Let the loaf rest at least 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the juices redistribute and the loaf hold together.
Serving, Slicing, and All the Fixings
Transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter and slice thickly. Classic accompaniments like roasted or mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or coleslaw complete the diner vibe.
For an even more “cheeseburger” feel, crown each slice with extra pickles, crispy onions, or a little drizzle of burger sauce. Fresh greens or sliced tomatoes lighten the meal and add color.
For leftovers, make incredible sandwiches—layer slices of meatloaf, more cheddar, pickles, and lettuce onto brioche or toasted sandwich bread, add a swipe of ketchup or mayo, and toast for the ultimate day-after lunch.
Variations, Substitutions, and Family Twists
Cheeseburger Meatloaf is endlessly adaptable. Try stirring in chopped cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger loaf, or swapping cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or American cheese, depending on your cheese preference. For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños or smoky chipotles to the mix. Mushrooms or sautéed bell peppers lend extra juiciness and flavor.
Turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter meatloaf; just increase the cheese and add a tablespoon of olive oil for more moisture. For a gluten-free version, use certified GF breadcrumbs or oats.
For a kid-friendly meal, bake the meatloaf into mini-loaves or muffin tins for “cheeseburger meatloaf cupcakes.” These bake faster and pack perfectly into lunchboxes.
Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Meal Prep
This meatloaf is a great make-ahead option. Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking, or bake fully, cool, and store slices for a fast reheat-and-eat meal. The loaf freezes beautifully—wrap tightly and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
For meal prep, slice cooled meatloaf and layer into lunch containers with roasted vegetables or salad. It reheats gently in the microwave or oven, maintaining its flavor and tender texture.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
Why does my meatloaf fall apart? Make sure you have enough binder (eggs and breadcrumbs), and let the loaf rest before slicing. Mixing too much or cutting while too hot can cause crumbling.
Is my loaf too dry? Fat content matters: use 80/20 beef, avoid overbaking, and don’t skimp on cheese or milk.
Can I use a slow cooker? Yes! Shape and place the loaf on a rack or a few peeled onions in the slow cooker. Cook on low for six hours, then glaze and broil to brown the top.
How do I prevent a greasy loaf? Free-form loaves on a rack are ideal for draining away rendered fat.
Is the glaze necessary? The glaze makes the finished loaf tastier and moister, but you can skip or thin it for a less sweet finish.
Nutrition and Balanced Indulgence
Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a hearty, protein-rich meal that fits comfortably into a balanced diet when served with plenty of vegetables. Lean ground beef, turkey, or extra veggies lighten the dish, while cheese and eggs add richness and staying power. For less sodium, use low-salt ketchup and cheese; for comfort with a twist, serve smaller portions with big salad sides.
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Meatloaf stands as a fun, flavorful upgrade to traditional meatloaf—combining nostalgia, practicality, and a little kitchen ingenuity for a meal that everyone can rally around. It’s the dish to pull out when you want to surprise and delight, inviting second helpings and next-day sandwich requests in equal measure.
Try it once, and you’ll have a new staple that brightens weeknights, pleases potluck crowds, and proves that even the humblest comfort food has room for a little innovation and a lot of love.
