Cheeseburger Meatloaf

This cheeseburger meatloaf takes everything you love about a classic burger—juicy beef, savory seasoning, and gooey melted cheese—and transforms it into a hearty, sliceable comfort food centerpiece.

Each bite delivers rich flavor with a tender texture, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

What makes this version especially fun is its versatility.

You can keep it classic with cheddar, or switch things up with different cheeses and toppings like mushrooms, pickles, or even a drizzle of ketchup and mustard after baking. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that feels familiar yet a little more indulgent.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
  3. Lay a sheet of wax paper on a flat surface and press the meat mixture into a 14×18-inch rectangle.
  4. Evenly spread shredded Cheddar cheese over the meat, leaving about a 3/4-inch border around the edges.
  5. Carefully roll the meat mixture jelly-roll style to enclose the cheese, forming a loaf. Press the ends closed to seal in the filling.
  6. Transfer the loaf to a 10×15-inch baking dish.
  7. Bake for about 1 hour, or until fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (70°C).
  8. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Chefs Notes

  • Swap Cheddar for American, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
  • Add a topping of ketchup, mustard, or sautéed mushrooms before serving for a true cheeseburger experience.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest helps the cheese set slightly, making cleaner slices.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, fries, or a simple salad for a complete meal.