... Print

The Definitive Cheeseburger Meatloaf with Cheddar Core

A thick slice of cheeseburger meatloaf showing melted cheddar cheese inside and topped with ketchup glaze.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes just like your favorite burger, complete with a tangy ketchup glaze and a melted cheddar cheese center.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a standard loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for a free-form loaf.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. If using bacon, gently fold the crumbled bacon into the meat mixture.
  4. Press half of the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan or onto the baking sheet to form a base layer.
  5. Place the cheddar cheese cubes in a single layer over the meat base. If you want a more dispersed cheese flavor, you can mix the cheese cubes into the remaining half of the meat mixture instead.
  6. Top the cheese layer with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to fully encase the cheese core. Shape it into a loaf if using a baking sheet.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create the meatloaf glaze.
  8. Spread about two-thirds of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes.
  10. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  11. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a Keto Meatloaf Option, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
  • If you prefer a smoky flavor without bacon, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the meat mixture.
  • This recipe works well as a Savory Ground Beef Bake if you prefer to cook it in a casserole dish rather than a loaf pan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/cheeseburger-meatloaf-recipe-easy-dinner/