Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines the juicy, cheesy satisfaction of a classic cheeseburger with the hearty comfort of traditional meatloaf. Stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese and topped with a tangy ketchup and mustard glaze, this recipe is tender, flavorful, and family-friendly. Whether shaped into a pinwheel or layered, it’s guaranteed to win over even the toughest meatloaf skeptics.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
¾ cup bread crumbs
½ cup minced onion
2 eggs, beaten
1½ teaspoons salt
1½ teaspoons pepper
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Ketchup and mustard (for glaze, to taste)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl just until combined—do not over-mix.
Shape (Pinwheel Method):
- Flatten the meat into a 14×18-inch rectangle on wax paper.
- Spread shredded cheese in the center, leaving a ¾-inch border.
- Roll up like a jelly roll and pinch the edges to seal.
Place the loaf in a 10×15 baking dish.
Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Glaze (Optional):
- Increase oven temp to 400°F.
- Spread ketchup and mustard over the top.
- Bake an additional 10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Rest the loaf for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (Estimated Per Serving – 8 servings)

Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Fat: ~38g
Saturated Fat: ~18g
Cholesterol: ~160mg
Carbohydrates: ~9g
Fiber: ~1g
Sugar: ~2g
Sodium: ~600mg
Calcium: ~250mg
Iron: ~3mg

Why Cheeseburger Meatloaf Stands Out

What sets this meatloaf apart is its transformation of a sometimes-overlooked dish into something exciting and indulgent. Traditional meatloaf recipes are often understated—savory, comforting, but occasionally bland or too dense. Cheeseburger Meatloaf reinvents the genre by incorporating sharp cheddar cheese into the heart of the dish, creating a molten core that surprises and delights with every slice.

The seasoning blend is simple yet effective. Salt, pepper, onion, and egg combine with breadcrumbs to create a well-balanced and moist meat mixture that holds together beautifully while baking. The cheddar cheese melts as the loaf cooks, seeping slightly into the surrounding beef for added flavor and creaminess without overpowering the meat.

On top, a glaze made of ketchup and mustard adds a sweet-and-savory tang that caramelizes in the oven, echoing the familiar taste of a burger fresh off the grill. This topping also keeps the loaf moist and adds a glossy finish that looks as appealing as it tastes.

Perfect for Family Dinners and Beyond

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into something worth remembering. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main course for the whole family and easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. Kids especially love it thanks to its cheeseburger-inspired flavor, and it’s flexible enough to accommodate different preferences.

You can pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables for a full meal. It also holds up well in leftovers, making it great for next-day sandwiches, meatloaf sliders, or even chopped and reheated with eggs for a breakfast hash.

Its visual appeal—especially if prepared as a pinwheel—makes it a fun and creative dish to bring to gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties. When sliced, the swirl of cheddar running through the center is both beautiful and tempting, adding that extra “wow” factor to an otherwise humble dish.

Customizable to Fit Every Taste

Another strength of this recipe is its flexibility. You can make simple tweaks to match your family’s preferences or dietary needs without losing the essence of what makes Cheeseburger Meatloaf so great.

Prefer a spicier kick? Add chopped jalapeños to the cheese layer or mix some hot sauce into the glaze. Looking for a leaner option? Use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork, or substitute reduced-fat cheddar to lighten the dish without compromising flavor.

Add-ins like diced pickles, a squirt of barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or garlic powder can introduce even more complexity. If you’re aiming for an upscale variation, consider swapping in smoked gouda or pepper jack instead of cheddar, or including caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms in the filling.

You can also change the shape of the loaf. While the pinwheel method makes for a beautiful presentation, you can just as easily press the meat mixture into a loaf pan and layer the cheese inside if you’re short on time.

The Nutritional Balance of Indulgence

While Cheeseburger Meatloaf is undeniably rich, it also provides a solid balance of macronutrients that make it a satisfying main dish. With approximately 35 grams of protein per serving, it’s a protein powerhouse that will leave you feeling full and fueled. The fats come primarily from the beef and cheese, contributing to the moist texture and mouthfeel that make this dish so comforting.

The carbohydrates are minimal, coming mainly from breadcrumbs and optional glaze, making this dish surprisingly compatible with lower-carb eating plans—especially if you use almond flour or crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs. The dish also provides iron, calcium, and other essential vitamins and minerals, thanks to the beef and cheese combination.

As with most comfort food, moderation is key. Enjoy it as part of a well-balanced meal, pairing it with lighter vegetable sides or a fresh salad to complement the richness.

Tips for Best Results

There are a few techniques that can elevate your Cheeseburger Meatloaf from good to unforgettable. First, avoid overmixing the meat mixture, which can result in a dense or tough texture. Mix until just combined to keep the loaf tender.

Second, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and delivers better flavor.

Resting the meatloaf before slicing is also crucial. Letting it sit for at least 10 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut into neat, beautiful slices without losing too much of that gooey center.

Lastly, experiment with different glazes. While ketchup and mustard are classic burger condiments, a layer of barbecue sauce, sriracha mayo, or spicy chipotle ketchup can give your loaf a whole new flavor profile.

Great for Make-Ahead and Freezing

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a smart choice for meal prepping or freezer meals. You can assemble the loaf ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours, or freeze it fully prepared and tightly wrapped for up to three months.

To bake from frozen, allow the loaf to thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with baking as instructed. You can also bake it straight from frozen at a lower temperature (around 325°F), though you’ll need to increase the cooking time significantly and monitor the internal temperature closely.

Cooked leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a brilliant fusion of two classic American dishes that delivers big on flavor, comfort, and visual appeal. With its tender beef base, gooey cheddar center, and tangy glaze, it offers a new and exciting take on traditional meatloaf—one that’s both familiar and innovative.

Perfect for feeding a family, impressing guests, or indulging in nostalgic comfort food, this recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable. Whether you shape it into a pinwheel for a showstopping presentation or keep it simple and classic, it’s a dish that consistently earns rave reviews.

More than just a weeknight dinner solution, Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a reminder of how creativity in the kitchen can transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite way to meatloaf.