Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 0.75 cup fresh bread crumbs; 0.5 cup minced onion; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1.5 teaspoons salt; 1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper; 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Meatloaf with Cheddar Cheese

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef
cup fresh bread crumbs
cup minced onion
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoons ground black pepper
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.
Place a piece of wax paper on a flat surface and press the meat mixture into a 14x18-inch rectangle.
Evenly spread the shredded Cheddar cheese over the meat, leaving a inch border along the edges.
Starting from one end, carefully roll up the meat mixture like a jelly roll, ensuring the cheese stays enclosed within the meat. Pinch the edges and ends to seal the roll and form a pinwheel shape.
Transfer the meatloaf to a 10x15-inch baking dish.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until its cooked through. To check for doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the meatloaf - it should read at least 160F (70C).

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 410
Total Fat: 29g (37% DV)
Saturated Fat: 15g (74% DV)
Cholesterol: 162mg (54% DV)
Sodium: 811mg (35% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 4g (1% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% DV)
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 32g (63% DV)
Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
Calcium: 331mg (25% DV)
Iron: 3mg (15% DV)
Potassium: 312mg (7% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a delightful twist on two iconic American dishes: the cheeseburger and the meatloaf. This hearty and flavorful dish is an excellent choice for those who love the rich, savory flavors of a cheeseburger but seek a new way to enjoy it. It is made by rolling a meatloaf mixture around a delicious core of melted cheddar cheese, creating a "pinwheel" effect that is both visually stunning and packed with flavor.

Origin Story of the Cheeseburger Meatloaf

The origins of the Cheeseburger Meatloaf can be traced back to the United States, where meatloaf itself is a beloved comfort food. Meatloaf has been a staple of American home cooking since the 19th century, with variations of it appearing in early cookbooks. The cheeseburger, on the other hand, was invented in the 1920s, with many claiming to have created the first version, but it became an undeniable American classic. Combining the two, the Cheeseburger Meatloaf likely came about in the late 20th century as home cooks sought to experiment with new ways to present these familiar flavors. It brings together the best of both worlds: the comfort of a meatloaf and the indulgence of a cheeseburger.

Regional Variations

While the Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a dish that can be found across the United States, different regions might put their own spin on it. In the Midwest, where meatloaf is a staple, you'll often find it loaded with cheese, bacon, or even pickles, reflecting the area's love for hearty, flavorful meals. In the South, it's not uncommon to find the meatloaf served with a zesty barbecue sauce glaze or accompanied by mashed potatoes. In coastal areas, some people might even add seafood or a dash of Old Bay seasoning to give it a regional flair.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

The Cheeseburger Meatloaf stands out from other types of meatloaf due to its combination of classic meatloaf ingredients and the gooey cheese center. Most meatloaf recipes simply mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then bake it in a loaf shape. On the other hand, the Cheeseburger Meatloaf introduces the concept of stuffing the meatloaf with cheeseusually cheddar, though other cheeses can be used as well. This results in a tender, flavorful loaf with melted cheese oozing through each slice, mimicking the beloved cheeseburger in every bite.

Where to Serve Cheeseburger Meatloaf

The Cheeseburger Meatloaf is perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual gatherings. Its a crowd-pleaser, especially for those who enjoy both cheeseburgers and meatloaf. Typically, it's served with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, French fries, or a simple salad. It also works well with baked beans, corn on the cob, or a side of crispy fried pickles for extra crunch. Because of its versatility, it can also be served at a potluck or family barbecue, offering a unique twist on traditional comfort food.

Fun Facts About the Cheeseburger Meatloaf

The Cheeseburger Meatloaf has gained popularity as a fun and inventive take on a classic American cheeseburger.
Some creative cooks add bacon bits, mushrooms, or even ketchup to the inside for additional flavor, while others drizzle it with barbecue sauce before serving.
The recipe has been adapted into various forms, with some versions baking the meatloaf in a muffin tin for individual servings, while others use a loaf pan for a traditional presentation.
In some parts of the U.S., people add pickle relish inside the meatloaf to give it an extra burst of tang, mimicking the iconic pickle topping on a cheeseburger.

Whether you're a fan of meatloaf, cheeseburgers, or both, this dish offers the best of both worlds. Its a deliciously cheesy and hearty meal that can be customized to fit a variety of tastes and regional preferences.

FAQ about Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Leftover Cheeseburger Meatloaf should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain freshness, it is best to slice the meatloaf before storing it.

Yes, you can freeze Cheeseburger Meatloaf. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

To reheat leftover Cheeseburger Meatloaf, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with other varieties like mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses. Some people also enjoy using pepper jack for a spicy kick.

To reduce greasiness, use leaner ground beef (such as 90% or 95% lean). Additionally, you can drain off any excess fat after cooking, or line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf and assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Bake it the next day as directed. You may need to adjust the cooking time if the meatloaf is cold from the fridge.

Cheeseburger Meatloaf pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or crispy fries for a full meal.

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free bread crumbs for regular bread crumbs. Just make sure to check the other ingredients, such as seasonings or sauces, for any hidden gluten.

If you don’t have wax paper or parchment paper, you can use a lightly greased baking sheet or a silicone baking mat. Just be sure to press the meat mixture firmly to prevent it from sticking.

Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the meat mixture for extra flavor. Just be sure to cook the vegetables first to release excess moisture, so they don’t make the meatloaf soggy.

Comments

KCHAMPOUX

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Delicious! Here are a few of my suggestions - to avoid the grease problem - use super lean beef - I used 95% lean, it wasn't greasy at all... also, I used mozzarella in the middle (part-skim). It was perfect! And, for those of you watching calories/fat, it's pretty friendly, only 3 WW points per slice!

Amanda H

02/04/2007 07:52:06 PM

This is a great recipe! I only gave it 4 stars because I found the "jelly-roll" effect to be more trouble than it was worth. Instead, I just half the meat mixture and make a channel for the cheese down the center and then top with the remaining meat mixture. It is much more simple and it isn't as messy! Tastes fantastic as is or is easy to jazz up too!

Richard Chalk

09/25/2023 09:26:42 PM

This recipe is awesome!! I just made for the 2nd time. only I added 1 cup of bacon bits and DOUBLED the cheese!! Bacon Double cheese burger meatloaf. with BBQ sauce over the top!

Englishell

01/21/2023 03:51:03 AM

Delicious. I took advice from another reviewer and flattened meat into rectangle. Then cut it in half and spread the shredded cheese on one half, and placed other half on top. I did omit all salt since cheese is salty. Because it "looked" rather bland, I mixed 1/3 cup catsup with two TBS of Worcestershire Sauce and spread on top of meat the last 15 minutes of cooking. (I also poured the excess grease off the meat before putting sauce on top). The recipe was easy to make and was delicious.,

Sewgurl

03/30/2020 02:43:27 PM

I’ve noticed some people struggling with rolling into a jelly roll. Line a shallow baking (cookie) sheet with parchment, press meat mixture firmly and evenly on parchment. Spread shredded cheese, I also added 1/4 cup dill relish at this stage. Using parchment paper, start rolling from narrow end. Smoothing as you roll. Then enjoy this tasty meatloaf variation.

Ms Jean

06/26/2019 07:54:14 PM

Yummy! I made a half recipe and checked it at 50 min. It was way over 160degF. So, if I made this small version again, I'd check it a lot earlier. For the half amount, I used an 8x4 loaf pan sprayed with cooking spray, placing half the meat, then a layer of Mexican blend cheese (a little less than specified and leaving room at the edges) and then the rest of the meat. I topped it with a glaze of ketchup, brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. I also added a little Worcestershire sauce and garlic and onion powders to the meat. Thanks Douglas....very good recipe!

Susan Becker

09/14/2018 05:01:03 PM

Back in the day, 1961, I was a service wife. so you had to make do with what you could afford. I loved this recipe, although I used a cast iron skillet for baking it. I was young and inexperienced. Using my imagination, I patted the first layer out . I put onlons, sliced thin, ketchup, mustard and cheese. Following with the top, already patted in a round circle, sealing the edges. Simple, but it came out sooo good. I was proud. Thank you Douglas for sharing this recipe with everyone.

Jennifer Zbytovsky

06/23/2020 02:56:17 AM

Amazing, I altered it by stuffing with mushrooms and Italian cheese blend. I pressed it out on parchment paper and refrigerated it, to help it roll easier.

frank's kitchen

07/21/2019 11:04:19 PM

It was a decent starter recipe. I sauteed 1 onion and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. I added 1/2 tsp garlic power, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teas. dried parsley, 1 tabl. ketchup, and 1 tabl. of A1 sauce. It was marvelous.

Shari Adkins

11/12/2019 03:38:21 AM

We loved this! I added a bacon weave lattice and BBQ sauce on top, but followed the actual loaf recipe exactly. Definitely going in the dinner rotation here! I didn't have any trouble rolling it. Patted it out on sprayed parchment paper, and used the paper to aid in rolling. Left it rolled tightly, and refrigerated for 1 hour before baking.

NETTERNETTER

09/23/2018 12:18:07 PM

Delicious and easy! Wanted bacon cheeseburger so I added 1/2 cup of real bacon bits to the cheese and used saltines instead of bread. Made it the night before and used the layering method of assembly in a loaf pan. Refrigerate overnight and turn out onto a roasting pan before baking. AB does this to eliminate the dreaded soggy bottom. Topped with ketchup, mustard and brown sugar glaze. served with fried dill pickle chips, French fries and a garden salad with 1000 island for the full burger effect.

EdgyFork5460

06/13/2025 04:11:28 PM

Yum.

Ryan Thomas

11/19/2024 10:18:58 PM

Made it and immediately saved the recipe.

TrustyStew4115

10/09/2024 10:52:09 PM

It was all amazing. I gave 4 stars bc the cook time was off by about 45 minutes. Took 1:45 minutes to reach the internal temp. But it was fantastic. Sides were long ready though bc the cook time was so far off. Will cook again. Probably a lot of times. Now I know to wait longer to prep the sides.

Kevin Taylor

09/08/2024 02:56:09 PM

This blew me away.

SillyCane2602

04/10/2024 04:58:51 AM

Followed exactly, perfectly done, and very good

ProudPan6056

11/29/2023 07:13:39 AM

Sounds weird,but Kinda good, I like Weird stuff some anyway..

CopperPita7902

07/10/2023 09:56:43 PM

Awesome

GlitzySieve3520

07/08/2023 01:12:45 PM

What a success 🕺 I used half the recipe ingredients and from the preparation I just knew it was going to be a hit. The roll came out juicy and so full of bursting tasty flavors. I absolutely love it 😍 Thanks for the recipe

Gail

06/27/2023 01:14:02 PM

This recipe was so easy and the meatloaf was delicious. The only difference was I added three types of cheddar and threw in a little pepper jack. It turned out great. My.whole family loved it. So sorry I forgot to take a picture.

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