I’ve been craving meatloaf for weeks, but I wanted something a little ✨different✨. So, I decided to throw just a little spin on the classic and make this cheese studded Cheddar Cheeseburger Meatloaf. This meatloaf-cheeseburger hybrid is just as comforting as the kind mom used to make, but with a little more personality (hello, melty nuggets of cheddar!). And hey, if you prefer a regular old meatloaf, try my Classic Homemade Meatloaf.
This post contains some affiliate links, which means that we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.
Pictured with Fluffy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes and green beans.
What Kind of Beef Should I Use for Cheeseburger Meatloaf?
I suggest using an 85/15 ground beef because the higher fat content ensures a more tender and moist meatloaf. You can use lower fat ground beef, but your meatloaf will likely be a little more firm and less juicy. Also, try to use ground beef that has been double ground, or that has a finer texture rather than a chunkier single grind. This will help your meatloaf hold together better.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
As I was eating this meatloaf my mind started wandering to all the different types of cheese that would work well here. Blue cheese, swiss, feta, gouda… OMG, the possibilities! Yeah, so I would definitely encourage experimentation with the cheese in this recipe. I will say though, that during the testing phase I tried both mild cheddar and sharp cheddar, and the sharp cheddar was far better than the mild.
What to Serve with Meatloaf
Meatloaf is such a classic American dish that it only makes sense to make it part of a classic American “meat and potatoes” dinner. Fluffy Mashed Potatoes would be the most obvious, but you could also pair the meatloaf with something like Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Loaded Smashed Potatoes, or even a simple Baked Potato. And then even if this is a “meat and potatoes” dinner, I like to add a little green to round things out. Add some Steamed Green Beans, Oven Roasted Broccoli, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts to your plate.
Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Servings 4 2 slices eachIngredients
Meatloaf
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs ($0.06)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika ($0.10)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
- 3/4 tsp salt ($0.03)
- 1 large egg ($0.27)
- 1/2 cup minced onion ($0.16)
- 4 oz. sharp cheddar ($0.85)
- 1 lb. ground beef (85/15) ($5.29)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup ($0.41)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar ($0.04)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard ($0.03)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ($0.02)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a small bowl stir together the breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the egg.
- Finely mince the onion. Roughly chop the cheddar cheese so that it is in pieces about the same size as a small bean.
- Add the ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, whisked egg, minced onion, and chopped cheddar to a bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until incorporated.
- Place the meat mixture in a casserole dish or on a rimmed baking sheet and shape into a rectangle, approximately 7″ long, 4″ wide, and 1.5″ thick.
- To make the glaze, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread the glaze over the unbaked meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF. Remove the meatloaf from the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then slice into eight pieces and serve.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Equipment
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!How to Make Cheeseburger Meatloaf – Step by Step Photos
Begin by preheating the oven to 350ºF. Stir together 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 3/4 tsp salt in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk one large egg.
Finely mince about 1/2 cup onion (this was 1/2 of a small onion for me), and roughly chop 4 oz. sharp cheddar, so the pieces are about the size of a small bean. This will create little nuggets of cheddar throughout the meatloaf. I found that if I used shredded cheddar the pieces were so small that they melted in and disappeared into the meat.
Place 1 pound ground beef (85/15) in a bowl and add the seasoned breadcrumbs, whisked egg, minced onion, and chopped cheddar. Mix these ingredients together with your hands until they are evenly combined.
Place the meat mixture in a casserole dish or on a rimmed baking sheet, then shape it into a rectangle about 7″ long, 4″ wide, and 1.5″ deep. I suggest using a casserole dish that has at least a couple inches of room around the meatloaf so they fat and excess juices have room to drain away. The meatloaf still stays moist, but can firm up enough to hold together in slices this way.
In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp yellow mustard, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Spread the sauce over the cheeseburger meatloaf.
Bake the Cheddar Cheeseburger Meatloaf for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF. I highly suggest getting one of these digital thermometers to take the guessing game out of cooking meat. They’re very inexpensive and worth every penny. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Let the Cheddar Cheeseburger Meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after you take it out of the oven, then slice into eight pieces, and serve!
So freaking delicious!!! It actually tastes like a cheeseburger 🍔 I didn’t have Worcestershire sauce so I use balsamic vinegar instead and still tastes great! I paired it with crispy baked baby carrots and boiled broccoli 🥦 yummy… definitely a new regular in my recipe rotation
Added diced jalapeño- really good Sunday night dinner!
I’ve been making this once every couple of months with Gouda. It’s been unbelievably delicious every time. Smoky and creamy and totally indulgent (but still fits into my calorie count perfectly)!
Loved this. Next time, I will make more glaze. It was delicious. Thanks!
Would cooking time be the same or less if I use ground TURKEY instead?
It should be about the same. :)
Can you add bacon to this?
Sure! That would be awesome.
I’m gluten free. Any idea how this would work using oats instead of bread crumbs? Any suggestion if I decide to try it?
I’ve never done it so I can’t say for sure, but my first try would be to just sub the ground oats 1:1. I think there are also some gluten-free bread crumbs on the market, so you may be able to find those at the store! :)
Kikkoman gluten free panko !!! Also super for breading 🙂
This is so good. Highly recommend it. I add 5 mins under the broiler at the end to crisp up the top. Next time I think I will put it in muffin pan so they all will be crispy because the end pieces on the loaf are the best. Would you cut the cooking time in half if in muffin pan?
Unfortunately, it’s hard to say without testing it. :)
This got a 4.5 from the kids tonight. Made it as directed on a rimmed baking sheet. Turned out great. Paired it with your garlic herb mashed potatoes which the family also likes. Made two loaves so leftovers tomorrow. Thanks again!
Hello, this recipe sounds delicious but I cook for some picky eaters who don’t like ketchup (I know they’re crazy), do you think the glaze would work with bbq sauce instead? I can’t wait to try this out!
BBQ sauce would be awesome on this. Great idea!
Simple and also amazing recipe… nice
I made this last night I used shredded sharp cheddar as that’s what I had. Very,good recipe although I don’t think I would do the cheese again. Maybe the shred was. Too small but it didn’t seem to do anything either way. I divided it into two loaves and put one in the freezer for later. The smaller loaf finished in about 45 minutes. Will definitely make again.
This is so good. Highly recommend it. Next time I think I will put it in muffin pan so they all will be crispy because the end pieces on the loaf are the best. Would you cut the cooking time in half if in muffin pan?
I got this recipe in the “No Pasta, No Rice” meal plan. The side for this meal is the “Oven Roasted Frozen Broccoli”. The Broccoli roasts at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. The meatloaf bakes for 50 minutes at 350 degrees.
Approximately how long should I cook the meatloaf at 400 degrees?
Hi Shay! To be safe, I’d say at least 45 minutes to an hour. Just be sure to check the internal temperature.
This meatloaf recipe is is an absolute favorite! The smoked paprika and cheddar cheese really make it unique and different!
I could NOT sign up for your Newsletter as your site rejected my email!!! WTH is up with that!!?? My email address has been the same for about 7 years!! I gave up trying to post after about 10 tries and rejections. HELP!!
Hi Christine! Shoot us an email at support@budgetbytes.com and we’ll get that set up for you!
I’ve never been a fan of meatloaf until I made this recipe! I’ve made it multiple times using whatever cheese I have on hand. It is a family favorite!