Cheeseburger Meatloaf

The classic American cheeseburger meets your favorite comfort food in this juicy and flavorful Cheeseburger Meatloaf. Loaded with melted cheddar, zesty pickles, and a golden crust, this dish turns a weeknight dinner into a diner-style delight. Each bite captures the essence of a cheeseburger, but with the satisfying warmth of a home-cooked meatloaf.

It’s perfect for picky eaters, family meals, or when you just want a little nostalgia on your plate. With easy prep, bold flavor, and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this recipe brings comfort food to the next level — no grill required!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions

• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles

• Optional topping: extra shredded cheddar, ketchup drizzle, pickle slices

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cheddar cheese, crushed crackers, milk, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, eggs, onions, and pickles.

3. Mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

4. Form into a loaf shape and place on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet, or press into a loaf pan.

5. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. During the last 10 minutes of baking, top with more shredded cheddar and a drizzle of ketchup if desired.

7. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with pickle slices if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Kcal: 415 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why Cheeseburger Meatloaf Is a Game-Changer for Home Cooks

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a creative and comforting twist on two beloved classics: the traditional meatloaf and the iconic cheeseburger. While meatloaf is often associated with nostalgic home-cooked meals, it sometimes gets a bad reputation for being dry or bland. This modern take completely transforms the dish into something crave-worthy, juicy, and flavorful. It’s a hybrid that brings the indulgent flavor of a cheeseburger—with all the elements like cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard—into a loaf form that’s ideal for slicing and serving.

One of the best parts about this dish is how it balances familiarity with fun innovation. The result is a meatloaf that even kids and picky eaters tend to love, while also being sophisticated enough for adults to appreciate its layers of taste and texture. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or entertaining guests on the weekend, Cheeseburger Meatloaf delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

A Nostalgic Yet Elevated Take on Classic Comfort Food

What makes this version of meatloaf particularly special is the intentional blend of cheeseburger ingredients. Instead of a basic tomato glaze, you get the zesty tang of ketchup and mustard baked into the loaf, creating that unmistakable burger flavor. The pickles—often an unexpected addition—bring a punch of acidity and crunch that elevates the meat and cheese.

The use of crushed buttery crackers instead of breadcrumbs adds an extra dimension of flavor and a soft, tender texture. Combined with melty cheddar and aromatic seasonings, the overall taste is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes people go back for seconds, even if they weren’t “meatloaf fans” before.

Customizing the Recipe to Fit Your Needs

Another reason this dish is a home cook’s dream is its flexibility. You can customize it in countless ways depending on your dietary needs, personal preferences, or what you have in your pantry. Want to make it leaner? Use ground turkey or a beef/turkey blend. Craving more spice? Toss in some chopped jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.

Vegetable additions like sautéed mushrooms, grated carrots, or finely chopped spinach can be snuck into the mix for extra nutrients without altering the core flavor too much. You can also play with toppings: drizzle with BBQ sauce instead of ketchup, or finish with crispy onions for added texture.

The point is, this Cheeseburger Meatloaf acts as a canvas—one that lets you adjust the flavor profile while still keeping that comforting, burger-inspired base intact.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Cheeseburger Meatloaf isn’t just delicious fresh out of the oven—it’s also a fantastic candidate for meal prep and leftovers. The loaf holds its shape well and slices cleanly after it rests, making it ideal for packed lunches, meal planning, or even freezing for future dinners.

The flavor deepens overnight, which means the leftovers are just as good—if not better—the next day. Try slicing cold meatloaf and using it to make a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and a bit of mayo, or reheat a slab and serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a quick, hearty meal.

Because the loaf is so substantial and protein-rich, it pairs well with a wide variety of sides—from classic mashed potatoes and roasted veggies to lighter options like a crisp coleslaw or simple salad.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

This is a recipe that checks all the boxes: cheesy, juicy, comforting, and fun. That’s why it’s so popular with kids and adults alike. If your little ones enjoy cheeseburgers but shy away from more “grown-up” meals, this meatloaf acts as a clever bridge between the two worlds.

It also serves well at gatherings, potlucks, and even casual holiday dinners. Everyone knows what to expect when they hear “cheeseburger,” and that instant familiarity makes it approachable. When the loaf comes out of the oven with bubbling cheese and a golden, caramelized crust, it becomes a centerpiece that people can’t wait to dig into.

For parties, you can even double the recipe and bake it in two smaller loaf pans to feed a crowd. Serve it in thick slices with slider buns or as part of a buffet-style spread.

Pairing Ideas to Round Out Your Meal

While the cheeseburger meatloaf is the star of the show, pairing it with the right sides and sauces can really elevate your dinner table. Here are some tried-and-true combinations:

• Classic Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, buttery mash pairs perfectly with the richness of the meatloaf.

• Roasted Vegetables: Think carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a medley for color and texture.

• Macaroni and Cheese: Double the cheese for a comfort food overload.

• Coleslaw or Pickled Veggies: The acidity helps cut through the richness of the meat.

• Sweet Potato Fries or Wedges: Add a bit of sweetness to balance the savory meatloaf.

Don’t forget the condiments! Serve with extra ketchup, mustard, or even burger sauce on the side to dip each bite.

Tips for Best Results Every Time

To ensure that your Cheeseburger Meatloaf turns out perfectly each time, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overmix: Overworking the mixture can result in a dense, tough loaf. Mix just until everything is combined.

• Let it rest: After baking, allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices.

• Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to keep the loaf juicy and safe to eat.

• Try free-form baking: Instead of using a loaf pan, shape the mixture by hand on a baking sheet. This allows more surface area to crisp up and caramelize.

Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic with a Modern Twist

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is much more than a fusion dish—it’s a reimagined classic that brings nostalgia, flavor, and fun to your kitchen. It combines everything we love about cheeseburgers and meatloaf into one easy, oven-baked recipe that delivers every single time. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a family favorite, or something to bring to your next potluck, this dish is sure to impress.

Its versatility means you can tailor it to your taste and dietary preferences without losing what makes it so crave-worthy. From the crispy edges to the melty cheese center, every bite feels like comfort and joy on a plate. Cheeseburger Meatloaf isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience of flavors that brings people together around the table, one slice at a time.