Description
Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a savory, comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a moist and flavorful meatloaf. Ground beef is mixed with onions, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings, then baked to perfection. Topped with ketchup and melted cheddar cheese, this recipe serves as an easy weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Topping
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, bread crumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto a large baking sheet and form it into a rectangular loaf shape, ensuring it is compact and even for uniform cooking.
- Add ketchup topping: Spread ketchup evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Optionally, you can drizzle mustard if desired for extra flavor.
- Bake the meatloaf: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160ºF (71ºC), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Broil with cheese topping: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Place it under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ground beef with a fat content of around 80% to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes after baking before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and ensure tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; 160ºF is the safe internal temperature for ground beef.
- You can customize the topping by adding mustard or barbecue sauce along with ketchup for extra flavor complexity.
- Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
