This Cheeseburger Meatloaf brings together the best of two American comfort food classics: the juicy, cheesy indulgence of a cheeseburger and the hearty, baked perfection of a traditional meatloaf. Each bite delivers melty cheddar, savory beef, tangy pickles, and that unmistakable ketchup-mustard flavor—all wrapped into one satisfying slice. It’s the perfect dish for families, picky eaters, or anyone who wants a fun and flavorful twist on a weeknight staple. Topped with a sweet-savory glaze and garnished with classic burger fixings like lettuce and onions, this meatloaf is as playful as it is delicious. Serve it with fries or a simple green salad for a full burger-inspired experience.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
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½ cup onion, finely chopped
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tbsp yellow mustard
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 eggs
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Topping:
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¼ cup ketchup
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1 tbsp yellow mustard
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1 tbsp brown sugar
Optional Garnishes: sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, chopped onions
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, shredded cheddar, chopped pickles, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated but do not overwork the meat.
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Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
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In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar for the glaze. Spread it over the top of the meatloaf.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra pickles, onions, or lettuce if desired—just like a cheeseburger!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Fun and Flavorful Twist on a Classic: Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Cheeseburger Meatloaf is where the comfort of home-cooked meatloaf meets the juicy indulgence of an all-American cheeseburger. Packed with savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, tangy dill pickles, and seasoned to perfection with mustard, ketchup, and onions, this meatloaf is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re feeding a family of picky eaters or trying to reinvent your weekly dinner lineup, Cheeseburger Meatloaf brings excitement and bold flavor to the table.
What makes this dish so irresistible is how it cleverly combines two classic favorites into one hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal. It’s nostalgic, fun, and incredibly delicious—making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
The Origins of Meatloaf and How Cheeseburger Meatloaf Evolved
Meatloaf has a long and rich culinary history. Dating back to ancient times, variations of ground or minced meat formed into loaves were found in both Roman and German cuisine. However, it wasn’t until the Great Depression and World War II in the United States that meatloaf became a household staple. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and breadcrumbs, it provided a filling and economical meal that could stretch across multiple servings.
The Cheeseburger Meatloaf came along much later, as cooks looked to innovate the traditional meatloaf recipe. By adding elements of America’s favorite sandwich—cheese, pickles, ketchup, mustard—it evolved into a comfort food hybrid that offers both the warmth of a baked meal and the familiar flavor of a juicy cheeseburger. Today, it stands as a quirky, playful, and satisfying twist on two beloved American dishes.
Why Cheeseburger Meatloaf is So Popular
One of the key reasons Cheeseburger Meatloaf is so widely loved is that it delivers the flavor of a cheeseburger without the mess of frying patties or assembling buns. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels indulgent while being surprisingly easy to make. The rich, cheesy interior pairs perfectly with the tang of pickles and the sweetness of a ketchup glaze.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit dietary needs, switch up the cheese, or make mini versions in muffin tins for portion-controlled servings. It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
Most importantly, it appeals to a broad audience. Kids love the cheesy, burger-like flavor, while adults appreciate its hearty texture and nostalgic charm.
Healthier Than You Might Think
Despite its indulgent reputation, Cheeseburger Meatloaf can actually be made quite health-conscious with just a few small changes:
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Lean Ground Beef: Using 90% lean ground beef reduces saturated fat while keeping the meatloaf juicy.
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Low-Fat Cheese Options: Swap full-fat cheddar for reduced-fat cheddar or use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra meltability with fewer calories.
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Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Opt for whole wheat breadcrumbs to add more fiber and nutrients.
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Portion Control: Slice the meatloaf into even portions and pair it with a salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced plate.
By controlling the ingredients, you get all the taste of a cheeseburger in a more nutritious, oven-baked package.
Ingredient Highlights and Flavor Profile
What sets this recipe apart is the clever mix of burger-style ingredients folded into a traditional meatloaf base:
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Ground Beef provides the hearty, savory foundation.
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Chopped Dill Pickles add tang and crunch, mimicking the toppings of a real cheeseburger.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese melts into gooey pockets throughout the loaf.
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Onions and Garlic give depth and aroma.
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Ketchup and Mustard infuse both the meat mixture and glaze with that signature burger flavor.
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Breadcrumbs and Eggs hold everything together while keeping the texture tender and moist.
The glaze made of ketchup, mustard, and a touch of brown sugar caramelizes as it bakes, creating a glossy, flavorful crust that contrasts perfectly with the cheesy interior.
Perfect for Families and Picky Eaters
If you’ve got a household of picky eaters, Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a guaranteed win. The familiar flavor of cheeseburgers makes this an easy transition food for kids (or adults!) who might be wary of traditional meatloaf. Plus, it’s fun to eat—especially when served with burger-like sides such as fries or potato wedges.
To make it even more playful, you can serve slices of the meatloaf on toasted buns like an actual burger, complete with lettuce, tomato, and more pickles. It’s a great way to surprise the family and turn an ordinary meal into something memorable.
Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Based
One of the best parts about Cheeseburger Meatloaf is how affordable and pantry-friendly it is. Most of the ingredients—ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, eggs—are staples in many households. You don’t need any fancy tools or exotic items to make this recipe work.
In fact, this dish is a great way to use up leftovers. Have half a block of cheese? Toss it in. Extra pickles? Chop them up. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and economical—ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re trying to stick to a grocery budget.
Creative Variations and Customizations
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can explore fun twists on the recipe:
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Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Add chopped cooked bacon into the mixture or layer strips across the top for a smoky upgrade.
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Stuffed Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Form half the meat into a loaf, add a layer of cheese slices, and top with the rest of the mixture for a gooey, cheese-filled center.
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Spicy Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
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Low-Carb/Keto Option: Substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for breadcrumbs.
The base recipe is a blank canvas for creativity while still offering that classic cheeseburger flavor.
Perfect Sides to Serve With Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This meatloaf is flavorful enough to be the star of any meal, but it shines even brighter when paired with the right sides. Here are some ideal pairings:
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French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – Lean into the burger theme.
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Coleslaw – Adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy loaf.
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Roasted Veggies – A healthy and colorful accompaniment.
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Green Salad with Pickle Vinaigrette – Yes, pickle vinaigrette! It brings the burger experience full-circle.
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Macaroni and Cheese – For an ultra-comforting, kid-approved plate.
Feel free to serve it with burger condiments on the side like BBQ sauce, spicy ketchup, or creamy ranch dressing.
Make-Ahead, Freeze-Friendly, and Meal Prep Approved
One of the greatest advantages of meatloaf in general—and Cheeseburger Meatloaf in particular—is its make-ahead friendliness. You can assemble it the night before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You can even bake it in advance and reheat slices during the week.
To freeze, simply wrap the uncooked or cooked loaf in foil, place in an airtight bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and bake or reheat.
It’s also fantastic for meal prepping. Pack slices with a side of vegetables or mashed potatoes and enjoy homemade lunch or dinner in minutes.
Tips for Success
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Don’t Overmix the Meat: Too much mixing can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf. Combine just until the ingredients are incorporated.
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Use Fresh Cheese: Grating cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded makes a huge difference in flavor and meltability.
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Let It Rest: After baking, let the loaf rest for at least 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.
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Bake on a Tray if Needed: Don’t have a loaf pan? Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking tray lined with parchment—it’ll still bake beautifully.
These small tips go a long way in delivering a tender, flavorful meatloaf that’s bursting with cheesy goodness.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Meatloaf is more than just a quirky mashup—it’s a delicious, family-friendly recipe that breathes new life into two American classics. By combining the melty, juicy flavor of a cheeseburger with the comforting texture of baked meatloaf, this dish manages to be fun, satisfying, and versatile all at once. Whether you’re looking for a creative weeknight dinner, a freezer-friendly meal prep solution, or a new spin on traditional meatloaf, Cheeseburger Meatloaf has something for everyone. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the dinner table.