Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger into the comforting form of a meatloaf, making it a unique and delicious twist on two family favorites. This dish captures the essence of a juicy cheeseburger, including the ground beef, cheese, and signature seasonings, all baked into a tender, mouthwatering loaf. Topped with a ketchup-based glaze that mimics the sweet and tangy flavor of burger sauce, this Cheeseburger Meatloaf is perfect for those looking for a fun and flavorful update on traditional meatloaf. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights, offering the comfort of home-cooked food with the exciting taste of a diner classic.
Creating Cheeseburger Meatloaf was an adventurous endeavor to merge the simplicity of meatloaf with the iconic taste of cheeseburgers. The challenge was to maintain the distinct flavors of a cheeseburger while ensuring the meatloaf remained moist and tender. After several iterations, finding the right balance of ingredients, and perfecting the glaze, the final product was a delightful surprise that exceeded expectations.
Serving it for the first time at a family dinner, it was met with curious glances that quickly turned into nods of approval and requests for seconds. The Cheeseburger Meatloaf not only brought a sense of novelty to our meal but also sparked conversations about other classic dishes that could be reimagined. It’s a testament to the joy of cooking and the endless possibilities that come with combining familiar flavors in new ways.
Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Familiar Yet Novel: Offers the comfort of meatloaf with the exciting flavors of a cheeseburger.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit with children and adults alike, making it a perfect family meal.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite cheeseburger toppings and mix-ins.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Great for preparing in advance and reheating, ensuring flavorful meals on busy days.
Ingredients Notes For Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Ground Beef: The base of the meatloaf, mimicking the burger patty. Choose a mix with a bit of fat for moisture and flavor.
- Cheese: Incorporate cubes or layers of cheddar cheese within the meatloaf for gooey, melted pockets of cheese.
- Breadcrumbs and Egg: Help to bind the meatloaf together, ensuring it holds its shape while baking.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce add depth and mimic the classic burger seasoning.
- Glaze: A mixture of ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar creates a tangy and sweet topping that enhances the cheeseburger experience.
Recipe Steps
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onions, cheese, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Form the Loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf on your baking pan. For added fun, insert additional cheese in the center.
- Prepare the Glaze: Mix ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar, then spread over the meatloaf before baking.
- Bake: Cook in the oven until the meatloaf is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
- Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing. Serve with classic burger sides for a complete meal.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze slices for future meals. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
How to Make a Delicious Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- Ground beef: 2 lbs (900g) – Use 80/20 beef for the best flavor and moisture.
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large, beaten
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded (you can also use slices if you prefer a layer of cheese in the middle)
For the Glaze:
- Ketchup: 1/2 cup
- Mustard: 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for tanginess)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it, or use a loaf pan.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the meatloaf from becoming tough.
- Add Cheese:
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, or create a layer of cheese in the middle of the meatloaf by forming half the meat mixture into a loaf shape, adding a layer of cheese, then topping with the remaining meat mixture.
- Form the Loaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf, or press the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar (if using) until well combined.
- Apply the Glaze:
- Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Halfway through the baking time, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve hot.
