Think of everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger and imagine it baked into a comforting, savory loaf. That’s exactly what Cheeseburger Meatloaf delivers. It’s beefy, cheesy, and infused with classic burger flavors like mustard, ketchup, and onions. Each slice is hearty and packed with flavor, making it the perfect family meal for busy weeknights or casual weekends.

This recipe takes the nostalgic elements of a diner-style cheeseburger and transforms them into a fuss-free dinner option. It’s a smart twist on traditional meatloaf, turning something that can often feel old-fashioned into something fresh and crowd-pleasing. Plus, the melty cheese and tangy toppings make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is not your average loaf. It combines the savory richness of ground beef with the creamy pull of cheddar cheese, all topped with a ketchup glaze that caramelizes in the oven. It’s an easy way to switch up the dinner routine while still delivering the comfort of home-cooked food.

If you’re someone who craves the familiarity of burgers but wants to avoid the grill, this oven-baked version is just the ticket. It’s freezer-friendly, customizable, and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Can I Use Any Type of Cheese in Cheeseburger Meatloaf?

Absolutely! While cheddar is the go-to choice for a classic cheeseburger flavor, you can easily substitute it with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack if you want a little kick. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well and complements the beef.

Ingredients for the Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Name: Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for topping); 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

This meatloaf gets its burger vibes from a combination of pantry staples and fridge essentials. The blend is straightforward but each element plays a role in making every bite taste like your favorite cheeseburger.

Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Eggs
Shredded cheddar cheese
Onion
Ketchup
Mustard
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper

Each ingredient brings something essential to the table: ground beef gives the meatloaf its hearty base, while breadcrumbs and eggs bind everything together. The cheddar cheese melts into gooey pockets of flavor. Ketchup and mustard offer that iconic burger tang, and the onion brings a touch of sweetness.

How To Make the Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheddar, finely diced onion, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top, then spread a little extra ketchup over it to create that delicious glaze. Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the loaf moist.

How to Store and Serve Cheeseburger Meatloaf

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings, making it a great option for family dinners or meal prep. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm slices in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also pan-fry leftover slices for a crispy edge.

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Meatloaf?

Classic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort pairing.

Garlic Green Beans

A crisp and buttery side to balance the richness.

Cajun Potato Soup

For a cozy combo, serve a small bowl of Cajun Potato Soup on the side.

Cheesy Baked Ziti

Turn dinner into a feast with a portion of Cheesy Baked Ziti.

Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad

A chilled macaroni salad makes it feel like a cookout classic.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted with olive oil and garlic for a healthy touch.

Buttered Corn on the Cob

Brushed with butter and sprinkled with sea salt.

Sweet Potato Fries

Slightly sweet and crisp, they’re a fun twist.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this hearty Cheeseburger Meatloaf, try these other comforting recipes next:

Cajun Potato Soup for a spicy, creamy side that warms from within.
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini if you love a Tex-Mex vibe in your pasta.
Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan for a global flavor adventure baked to perfection.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli when you want something creamy but veggie-packed.
Easy One-Pan Mozzarella Chicken for a dinner that’s melty and cleanup-friendly.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or add some crispy bacon? Maybe pickles on top?

I love hearing how you personalize these recipes. Questions are always welcome too—let’s keep cooking smarter together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food recipes and everyday meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new weeknight favorite.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite burger into a cozy, sliceable dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need something satisfying to carry you through the week, this recipe hits the spot every time.