If there’s one thing I love about classic comfort food, it’s how it brings people together. This Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delicious fusion of two all-time favorites—juicy, cheesy cheeseburgers and hearty, satisfying meatloaf. It’s packed with melty cheddar, seasoned beef, and a tangy glaze that takes it over the top. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
This isn’t your grandma’s plain old meatloaf. The addition of cheddar cheese, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce gives it a rich, savory flavor reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger. And the best part? That sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or crispy fries, and you’ve got a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Juicy and flavorful – The combination of beef, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings makes this meatloaf incredibly tender and packed with flavor.
- Loaded with cheese – Unlike traditional meatloaf, this version is stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese, making every bite rich and melty.
- A perfect ketchup-mustard glaze – It tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger, with a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky glaze.
- Easy to make – Just mix, shape, bake, and glaze! It’s a foolproof recipe that’s great for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 55-60 mins)
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
How to Make Cheeseburger Meatloaf
1. Preheat and Prep
I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a loaf pan (or lining it with parchment paper) for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, shredded cheddar, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. I mix everything together gently—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense instead of tender.
3. Shape and Bake
I form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared loaf pan. If I want extra crispy edges, I sometimes shape it by hand and place it on a baking sheet instead. Then, it goes into the oven for 40 minutes to start cooking.
4. Make the Tangy Cheeseburger Glaze
While the meatloaf is baking, I whisk together ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar for the perfect sweet and tangy glaze. This is what gives the meatloaf its signature cheeseburger flavor!
5. Glaze and Bake Again
After the first 40 minutes of baking, I take the meatloaf out of the oven and spread the glaze generously over the top. Then, I pop it back into the oven for another 15-20 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let It Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, I let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and keeps all the juices inside. I serve it up with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even crispy fries for that full cheeseburger-inspired meal!
My Best Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix the meat – This can make the meatloaf tough. I mix just until everything is combined.
- Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make it less melty. Freshly shredded cheddar works best!
- Shape it by hand for crispier edges – A loaf pan keeps it neat, but baking it free-form on a sheet pan allows more surface area for browning.
- Let it rest before slicing – Cutting too soon will make all the juices run out, so patience is key!
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Meatloaf
This meatloaf is packed with cheesy, meaty goodness, so I like to serve it with sides that complement those flavors:
- Mashed Potatoes – A classic pairing for any meatloaf!
- Crispy Fries – Because what’s a cheeseburger without fries?
- Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a nice balance.
- Mac and Cheese – If you’re feeling extra indulgent, go all out with a cheesy side!
- Side Salad – Something fresh, like a simple Caesar or garden salad, cuts through the richness.
FAQs (Because I Know You’ll Ask!)
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! While cheddar gives it that true cheeseburger taste, you can experiment with pepper jack, Swiss, or even smoked Gouda for a fun twist.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! You can mix and shape the meatloaf, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Wrap the uncooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
Why This Cheeseburger Meatloaf Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation
This Cheeseburger Meatloaf is juicy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—but in comforting meatloaf form. The rich, seasoned beef combined with melty cheese and a tangy glaze makes this an instant favorite. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, meal prep, or a weeknight treat, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! And if you put your own spin on it—maybe adding bacon bits, a layer of pickles, or even stuffing it with more cheese—I’d love to hear about it. Happy cooking!
Cheeseburger Meets Meatloaf – The Perfect Mash-Up of Two Comfort Classics
Ingredients
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, brown sugar, onion, garlic, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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