Quick & Juicy Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe: A Family Favorite

Cheeseburger meatloaf reinvents the classic burger into a comforting, hearty dish that brings serious dinner excitement to your table.

This innovative recipe merges the best qualities of two beloved American favorites with unexpected culinary creativity.

Juicy ground meat mingles with rich cheese, creating a flavor profile that instantly sparks appetite and nostalgia.

Savory seasonings elevate the traditional meatloaf, making each slice a delightful surprise for hungry family members.

The magic happens when familiar burger ingredients get reimagined in a classic loaf format, breaking predictable meal boundaries.

Home cooks appreciate how easily this crowd-pleasing recipe comes together, requiring minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.

Perfectly balanced between familiar and innovative, this dish promises a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips for Juicy Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Master the Meat Mixing: Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Cheese Placement Perfection: Distribute cheese cubes evenly in the center to ensure every slice has a delicious cheesy surprise.
• Glaze Like a Pro: Apply half the glaze before baking and the remaining halfway through for a glossy, caramelized exterior.
• Rest and Relax: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
• Moisture Magic: Soaking breadcrumbs in milk creates a juicier, more tender meatloaf that won't dry out during cooking.

How to Store and Reheat Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Refrigeration: Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Slice leftover meatloaf, place individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date to track storage time.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

What Goes with Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Craft a Burger-Style Side Salad: Pair the meatloaf with a classic burger-inspired salad topped with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and a tangy thousand island dressing to echo the cheeseburger flavor profile.
• Select a Bold Beer Companion: Reach for a robust amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the rich, meaty flavors of the cheeseburger meatloaf, cutting through its richness with refreshing carbonation.
• Create Crispy Potato Sidekick: Serve alongside golden, crispy french fries or wedge-cut potato rounds seasoned with garlic and herbs to complement the meatloaf's hearty burger-like essence.
• Pour a Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like zinfandel or cabernet sauvignon that matches the deep, savory notes of the cheese-infused meat dish, enhancing its complex flavor profile.

Unique Twists on Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Smoky BBQ Bacon Meatloaf: Swap tomato paste for barbecue sauce and add crispy chopped bacon bits inside the meat mixture. Top with extra bacon strips before baking for a smoky, meaty flavor explosion.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with a mix of ground lamb and beef. Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Finish with a tzatziki-style yogurt sauce instead of traditional glaze.
• Spicy Jalapeño Pepper Jack Meatloaf: Incorporate diced jalapeños and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Mix in some taco seasoning and top with a zesty chipotle glaze for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Keto Meatloaf: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Use a sugar-free ketchup for the glaze and add extra eggs for binding. Serve with roasted low-carb vegetables on the side.

Why Cheeseburger Meatloaf Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Burst with Cheesy Goodness: Packed with shredded and cubed cheddar cheese, this meatloaf delivers an irresistible gooey center and melty exterior that cheese lovers will absolutely adore.
• Transform Classic Comfort Food: This innovative recipe upgrades traditional meatloaf by incorporating burger-inspired ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and cumin, creating a flavor-packed twist on a home-style favorite.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: With straightforward mixing and rolling techniques, this recipe requires minimal culinary skills while producing an impressive main dish that looks and tastes like a gourmet creation. Home cooks of all levels can confidently tackle this delicious meal in just over an hour.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd Meal: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this hearty meatloaf satisfies meat lovers and provides a fun, interactive dining experience with its surprise cheese filling and flavorful glaze.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Hearty base of the meatloaf with rich flavor and protein.
• Eggs: Essential binding agent to hold the meatloaf together.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and create tender texture.
• Milk: Keeps breadcrumbs soft and adds moisture to the meat mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese (Shredded and Cubed): Adds creamy, sharp flavor and melty texture throughout the meatloaf.
• Onion: Provides subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Brings aromatic and savory notes to the dish.

• Tomato Paste: Adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps with moisture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers complex, tangy umami flavor.
• Mustard: Introduces a slight tang and depth to the overall taste.
• Cumin: Offers warm, earthy undertones.
• Parsley: Brings fresh herbal brightness.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Glaze Ingredients (Not specified in original recipe): Likely includes additional sweet and tangy components to enhance the meatloaf's exterior.

How to Make Cheeseburger Meatloaf Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Soak the Breadcrumbs

In a large mixing bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk to create a moist base for the meatloaf.

Step 3: Create the Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Soaked breadcrumbs
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Tomato paste
• Eggs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Cumin
• Chopped parsley
• Black pepper
• Salt

Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf

Spread the meat mixture into a rectangular shape on the prepared baking tray. Strategically place cheddar cheese cubes in the center of the rectangle. Carefully roll the meat from the short end, ensuring the edges are securely sealed.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients. Pour half of the glaze over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Remove the meatloaf, spread the remaining glaze, and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the meat set and makes cutting easier.

Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheeseburger Meatloaf brings classic American comfort to dinner tables with a mouthwatering twist. Juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings combine to create a hearty meal that satisfies deep burger cravings in one simple, memorable slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Dairy:

• 1 kg ground beef (lean or regular)
• 250 gm cubed cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk

Dry and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 finely diced onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon classic yellow mustard

Glaze Ingredients:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup tomato paste or passata
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease.
2. Saturate breadcrumbs in milk within a spacious mixing bowl, allowing them to absorb the liquid completely.
3. Gently fold ground beef with softened breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, tomato paste, whisked eggs, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ground cumin, chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt until ingredients are just integrated.
4. Spread the meat mixture into a rectangular shape on the prepared baking sheet, creating an even surface.
5. Strategically place cheddar cheese cubes along the center of the meat rectangle.
6. Carefully roll the meat from the shorter end, ensuring a tight seal and enclosing the cheese cubes completely.
7. Whisk together glaze ingredients in a separate small bowl until well combined.
8. Drizzle and evenly distribute half of the glaze across the meatloaf surface.
9. Roast in the preheated oven for 60 minutes until meat is thoroughly cooked.
10. Remove meatloaf, brush with remaining glaze, and return to oven for an additional 15 minutes.
11. Allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help retain moisture and structure.

Notes

• Boost flavor by soaking breadcrumbs in milk for a tender, juicy meatloaf texture that melts in your mouth.
• Use gentle mixing technique to prevent dense, tough meat mixture and maintain a light, delicate consistency.
• Create a cheese-stuffed center by carefully rolling meat around cheddar cubes for a surprising, gooey surprise inside.
• Apply glaze in two stages during baking to build deep, caramelized flavor and keep the surface moist and glossy.
• Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, ensuring each slice remains succulent and flavorful.
• Choose lean ground beef for a balanced meat-to-fat ratio that prevents greasiness while maintaining rich, savory taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg