Description

This Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a fun twist on the classic cheeseburger, combining juicy ground beef with a gooey melted cheese layer and tangy pickle relish. Topped with a glossy, sweet-and-tangy sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cheeseburger Meatloaf:

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
1 tablespoon ketchup (plus more for topping)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
¼ cup dill pickle relish

For the Sauce:

½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, or grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Create the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands just until combined—don’t overmix!
Assemble the Cheesy Layer: Transfer half the meat mixture to your prepared pan, shaping it into a rectangular loaf about 8×4 inches. Create a slight depression down the center and sprinkle 1 cup of cheese and all of the pickle relish along this trough.
Complete the Loaf: Cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges well. Shape into a uniform loaf.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
Top and Bake: Spread the sauce evenly over the meatloaf. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F (71°C). During the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top and return to the oven until melted.
Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender. The cheese pocket in the middle mimics a stuffed cheeseburger experience. Resting the meatloaf ensures clean slices and better flavor distribution.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of loaf)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: cheeseburger meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, stuffed meatloaf, family dinner