Best Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe for Families

Growing up, I loved the smell of my kitchen filled with sizzling burgers, melted cheese, and the laughter of family around the table. That comfort inspired my take on cheeseburger meatloaf, blending all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty, one-pan meal. This easy cheeseburger meatloaf is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, customizable with bacon, pickles, or a cheesy center, making it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, this cheeseburger meatloaf delivers everything you crave in one hearty dish. Juicy ground beef layered with melted cheddar cheese, topped with a tangy ketchup or BBQ glaze, and finished with pickles and optional bacon, it tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger—but in meatloaf form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this easy cheeseburger meatloaf recipe is customizable, kid-friendly, and satisfying every time.

What makes this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf so irresistible is the balance of flavors: savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet, with a tender, moist texture that melts in your mouth. You can even create variations like keto cheeseburger meatloaf, BBQ cheeseburger meatloaf, or old-fashioned cheeseburger meatloaf to suit your taste. This is more than just a meatloaf recipe—it’s a one-pan, family-approved meal that turns a classic cheeseburger into a show-stopping, easy-to-make dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in this cheeseburger meatloaf is chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and cheesy indulgence. Ground beef forms the hearty base, while breadcrumbs or almond flour help bind the meat and keep it tender. Onions and garlic add savory depth, and milk and eggs create a soft, moist texture. A rich layer of cheddar cheese or American cheese gives the classic cheeseburger flavor inside the loaf.

The glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard adds a slightly sweet, tangy topping that caramelizes as it bakes, while pickles and optional bacon bring the final touch of cheeseburger flair. You can customize this recipe easily: swap regular breadcrumbs for keto-friendly alternatives, try a BBQ glaze, or layer in extra cheese or bacon. Every element works together to make this cheeseburger meatloaf irresistibly juicy, flavorful, and family-friendly—a true weeknight or special occasion favorite.

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×5-inch loaf):

For the Meatloaf:

2 lbs ground beef

1 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for keto)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup milk

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon mustard (optional)

For the Cheese Layer:

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese slices)

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Optional: dash of hot sauce

For Topping:

Pickle slices

Cooked bacon (optional)

How to Make This Recipe

Making the perfect cheeseburger meatloaf is easier than you think, and every step enhances its juicy, cheesy flavor. Start by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs or almond flour, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, and seasonings into a tender, flavorful meat mixture. Layer in shredded cheddar or American cheese for that classic cheeseburger center. Spread a tangy glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard over the top to caramelize while baking. Add optional bacon or pickles for a bacon cheeseburger meatloaf twist.

Whether you’re making an old-fashioned cheeseburger meatloaf, a keto cheeseburger meatloaf, or a BBQ cheeseburger meatloaf, following these steps ensures a moist, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. This cheeseburger meatloaf recipe combines convenience, flavor, and the nostalgia of classic cheeseburgers in a one-pan meal everyone will love.

🛒 Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs or almond flour, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard until just combined.

Press half the meat mixture into the loaf pan.

Layer shredded cheddar or American cheese evenly over the meat.

Cover with the remaining meat mixture and smooth the top.

In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard; spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Top with pickle slices and cooked bacon if desired for a bacon cheeseburger meatloaf finish.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the ultimate cheeseburger meatloaf is all about technique and ingredient balance. Using high-quality ground beef ensures a juicy, flavorful meatloaf, while combining it with breadcrumbs or almond flour helps hold the shape without drying out. Eggs and milk create a tender texture, and layering in cheddar or American cheese gives it that classic cheeseburger center. A glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, or Dijon mustard adds the perfect sweet and tangy finish. Optional bacon or pickles elevate this bacon cheeseburger meatloaf to a family-favorite comfort meal.

These expert tips work for any variation, including keto cheeseburger meatloaf, old-fashioned cheeseburger meatloaf, or BBQ cheeseburger meatloaf. From prepping your meat properly to letting the loaf rest before slicing, following these steps ensures your cheeseburger meatloaf is always moist, flavorful, and full of cheesy goodness.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use 80/20 ground beef for maximum juiciness in your cheeseburger meatloaf.

Do not overmix meat; gently combine ingredients for a tender texture.

Layer shredded cheddar or American cheese evenly for a melty cheeseburger center.

Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour for a keto cheeseburger meatloaf option.

Glaze with ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for sweet-tangy caramelization.

Rest meatloaf 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.

Add cooked bacon or pickle slices to make a bacon cheeseburger meatloaf twist.

Preheat the oven properly to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.

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Cheeseburger meatloaf is a delicious, family-friendly twist on a classic comfort food. With juicy ground beef, a melty cheese center, tangy glaze, and optional bacon or pickles, this cheeseburger meatloaf recipe delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one easy-to-make loaf. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s customizable to your taste, whether you want a keto cheeseburger meatloaf, BBQ twist, or old-fashioned style. Serve it warm, slice generously, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

This recipe proves that classic flavors can be reinvented into simple, balanced, one-pan meals without sacrificing taste. Keep these tips and variations in mind to make the perfect cheeseburger meatloaf every time, and turn your dinner table into a comfort-food celebration that’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying.

Cheeseburger Meatloaf

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

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Description

A juicy, cheesy meatloaf that tastes just like a cheeseburger! This comfort-food classic features ground beef, melty cheese, pickles, and a savory glaze, making it perfect for family dinners. You can even add bacon or a BBQ twist for extra flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×5-inch loaf):

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for keto)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese slices)

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Optional: dash of hot sauce

For Topping:

• Pickle slices

• Cooked bacon (optional)

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.

Step 2: Mix Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 3: Form Meatloaf & Add Cheese
Press half the meat mixture into the pan. Layer cheese evenly on top. Cover with remaining meat mixture and smooth the top.

Step 4: Add Glaze
Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

Step 6: Rest & Garnish
Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Top with pickle slices and cooked bacon, if desired.

Notes

• Keto Version: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
• Cheese Options: Cheddar, American, or Swiss work well; feel free to mix.
• BBQ Twist: Swap the ketchup glaze for your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Make Ahead: Assemble meatloaf a day ahead; bake before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
• Category: Main Course / Comfort Food
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American