This cheeseburger meatloaf adds a great twist by combining two great classic meals into one. It is moist, delicious, easy to whip up and budget friendly.
It is surreal to think that when I first started blogging, my kids were 5, 7 and 9 years old. That was over 14 years ago. Seems like a lifetime ago. I remember being perpetually sleep deprived and frantically behind in keeping the house from falling into a chaotic tailspin.
Preparing a dinner that everyone would eat without a fit seemed like a monumental task. Well, I have learned a few things from those crazy days. And although I may not get all thumbs up with every meal I prepare, I seem to please my family most of the time.
This particular recipe is for my eldest boy, who is both a lover of meatloaf and cheeseburgers. And now he can cook it himself, in his very own apartment.
Why this recipe is so awesome
So meatloaf. You either hate it or love it. I personally love it. It is ridiculously easy to make, feeds a small family or a large crowd and the leftovers reheat beautifully. Plus, think of all the flavor options you can add to your meatloaf!
This particular recipe is even better than the classic meatloaf because you bake it on a baking sheet instead of stuffing it in a loaf pan. It cooks faster this way, and you get some of those nice browned bits that are caramelized and delish.
This cheeseburger meatloaf combines everything you love about both comfort foods. You can serve it up as a meatloaf, like I did, with some roasted potatoes and veggies. Or you can serve it up between two pieces of bread like a cheeseburger with all the fixings and french fries.
Not only is this recipe is juicy, flavorful and super versatile, it is also very friendly on your dinner budget. Stock up on ground beef when you find it on sale and you won’t break the bank whether you are feeding a large family or single and living paycheck to paycheck.
Dinner is ready, folks, so don’t stress out.
Ingredients you need
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- Ground beef: I used the inexpensive 80/20 ground beef. You can definitely snaz it up with ground sirloin or leaner 90/10 ground beef.
- Onion: Whether I am making meatloaf or a burger, I love adding chopped or grated onions for moisture and flavor. I used regular brown onions.
- Worcestershire sauce: This gives a little zing in flavor without overwhelming you.
- Tomato paste: Mixed into your meat mixture, this also gives you moisture and flavor.
- Bread crumbs: I used seasoned bread crumbs, but you can use plain, too.
- Eggs: This provides moisture to the dish.
- Cheese: For my family, cheeseburger means cheddar cheese, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Cheddar Jack, Pepper Jack, Gouda, or even slices of American cheese.
- Ketchup: Whether it’s a burger or a meatloaf, I love it with good old fashioned ketchup. You can also add your favorite mustard, if you want.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Tools to Use
Step-by-step directions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, bread crumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Place the meat mixture on a large baking sheet and form into a rectangle.
3. Spread ketchup over the top and sides of your meatloaf. If using mustard, too, drizzle it on as well.
4. Bake at 350ºF for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF.
5. Top the meatloaf with cheese and place under the broiler for 5 minutes or until cheese is melty and bubbly.
Recipe tips and FAQs
You can serve this dish any number of ways. I like to serve it as meatloaf with roasted or mashed potatoes. Add some broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or green beans and you have one delicious meal.
If you prefer, you can also serve it like a cheeseburger in a nice brioche bun and your favorite burger fixings, like pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.
Need more easy, no stress dinner recipes? My family loves my fabulous Salisbury steak recipe which we serve over mashed potatoes. And if you are looking for another twist on the classic meatloaf, you should definitely try my Mexican meatloaf made with chorizo!
Too lean of a meat and you will have a dry meatloaf. I personally prefer using 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef. Adding eggs and liquids like Worcestershire sauce and tomato past gives your meatloaf flavor as well as moisture. Lastly, don’t over cook your meatloaf. A meat thermometer inserted into the center should read 160F when done.
Heck yeah! Some people like to add shredded cheese inside of the meatloaf, too. Top your meatloaf with cheddar, monterey jack, gouda or even feta… try any of your favorite cheeses and you will have one delicious cheeseburger meatloaf.
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Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This cheeseburger meatloaf adds a great twist by combining two great classic meals into one. It is moist, delicious, easy to whip up and budget friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
- 1 TBS tomato paste
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, bread crumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Place the meat mixture on a large baking sheet and form into a rectangle.
- Spread ketchup over the top and sides of your meatloaf. If using mustard, too, drizzle it on as well.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF.
- Top the meatloaf with cheese and place under the broiler for 5 minutes or until cheese is melty and bubbly. Add as little or as much cheese as you like.
Notes
If you are a fan of mustard, drizzle a little when you lather on the ketchup.
Serve like meatloaf with roasted or mashed potatoes and vegetables like broccoli cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or green beans.
You can also serve it like a cheeseburger in a bun with lettuce, tomato and pickles.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 435Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 161mgSodium: 717mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 37g
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