Name: Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 lbs ground beef (90% lean); 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1/2 cup onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons water; 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional); Cooking spray (for pan)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a good meatloaf, and this Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe brings that classic, nostalgic flavor with a fun twist. It’s like your favorite cheeseburger, but in a cozy loaf that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without the hassle of burgers on the grill. I love how the melted cheddar cubes inside give you little bursts of cheesy goodness with every bite.

This Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe really shines when you’re feeding family or friends who enjoy familiar flavors but also appreciate a homemade touch. It’s easy enough to whip up after work but special enough to impress. Plus, all the classic burger ingredients are right here—bacon, onion, mustard, Worcestershire, and ketchup—so you get that perfect cheeseburger vibe wrapped in a warm, hearty meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this recipe comes from simple ingredients that play so well together—juicy beef, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon combine with the tang of mustard and Worcestershire for an irresistible flavor. When you shop, try to pick fresh onions and a good quality cheddar to really boost the taste, and if you can find panko breadcrumbs, they add a nice light texture.

Ground beef: I usually go for 90% lean for the best balance of flavor without too much grease.
Cooking spray: Makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking—your pan will thank you.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
Onion: Finely diced and golden-browned onions add sweet depth that’s a must here.
Bacon: Cooking and crumbling your own bacon is worth it for that smoky crunch inside.
Panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs keep the meatloaf light and tender instead of dense.
Yellow mustard: It adds a tangy zing that complements the beef without overpowering.
Worcestershire sauce: This umami powerhouse deepens the savory flavors wonderfully.
Salt and pepper: Essential basics, so don’t skimp—season well for taste.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
Cheddar cheese: Cut into small cubes so you get gooey, cheesy pockets throughout the meatloaf.
Ketchup: Spread on top to mimic a classic cheeseburger’s finishing touch with just the right sweetness.
Parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and a mild herbaceous note.

Variations

I like to make this Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or who I’m cooking for. It’s a very adaptable base, so don’t be shy about swapping or adding ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Swap meats: I’ve made it with ground turkey or a blend of beef and pork for a different texture and flavor—still delicious but leaner.
Add veggies: Diced bell peppers or mushrooms work great stirred into the mix for extra nutrients and flavor.
Spicy kick: Throw in a little diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for those who like some heat.
Dairy-free: Use a non-dairy cheese alternative and substitute egg with flaxseed meal for an allergy-friendly option.

How to Make Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions to Golden Perfection

Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a small pan, and toss in the finely diced onions. Stir them frequently for about 4-5 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and fragrant—this step builds a sweet, savory foundation you don’t want to skip. Once done, take the pan off the heat and stir in the mustard and Worcestershire sauce to marry those flavors.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, combine your browned onion mixture with the ground beef, crumbled bacon, panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, egg, a little water (about 2 tablespoons for moisture), and the cubed cheddar. This is where you want to get your hands in and mix everything gently but thoroughly. Don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatloaf tender—just until everything’s evenly combined.

Step 3: Shape and Bake Your Meatloaves

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into little meatloaves right on your foil-lined, cooking spray-coated sheet pan. Spread a tablespoon of ketchup on top of each for that iconic cheeseburger finish. Pop them into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the meat reaches an internal temp of 160°F and the cheese is melting inside, oozing out with every cut.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

A rectangular black baking dish holds a layered meatloaf. The bottom layer is a thick, browned ground meat base with a slightly rough texture. On top of this is a layer of melted cheddar and white cheese, smooth and creamy, covering the meat evenly. The top layer consists of evenly arranged crispy bacon strips that are reddish-brown with wavy edges, adding a crunchy texture. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving—it brightens the flavors and adds a pretty pop of green. Sometimes I add a few pickle slices or even tiny dollops of mustard on the side to channel that true cheeseburger vibe. Don’t underestimate how much these little touches enhance the experience!

Side Dishes

This meatloaf loves company! I usually serve it with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes, crispy oven-baked fries, or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts also pair perfectly for a healthy touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve shaped the meatloaf mixture into mini burger patties and baked them with cheese inside as individual sliders. It’s a fun way to serve guests and makes great leftovers too. Another time, I layered sliced meatloaf on toasted buns, basically making an open-faced cheeseburger meatloaf sandwich—never fails to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover cheeseburger meatloaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect next-day meal when you’re short on time. Just slice it first to ensure even warming.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cheeseburger meatloaf both before and after baking with good results. If freezing pre-cooked, wrap it well in foil and then place in a freezer bag. When freezing raw, shape the meatloaves, flash freeze on a tray, then pack in bags to keep the shape intact. It defrosts overnight in the fridge and stays moist and flavorful.

Reheating

To get leftovers tasting fresh, I reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Microwave works too in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts so it doesn’t dry out. Adding a little extra ketchup or cheese on top before reheating can revive those burger flavors nicely.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken for this Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a lighter version. Just be aware these meats are leaner and can dry out more easily, so adding a bit more moisture (like a splash of milk or extra egg) helps keep the meatloaf juicy.
How do I make sure the cheddar melts evenly in the meatloaf?

Cutting the cheddar into small, uniform cubes helps them melt evenly throughout the meatloaf. Avoid using shredded cheese as it can blend into the meat too much rather than giving you those tasty cheese pockets.
Can I prepare this Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix all the ingredients and shape the meatloaves a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh when you’re ready. This saves time on busy days and actually helps meld the flavors.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover meatloaf?

Reheating in the oven at 350°F wrapped loosely with foil preserves moisture best. You can also microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel, but be careful not to overcook and dry it out.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines two ultimate comfort food loves into one delicious meal. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your family smile at the dinner table. I hope you’ll give it a try—it’s straightforward, flavorful, and just plain satisfying. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with everyone.