Cheeseburger Meat Loaf

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 50 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: May. 16, 2023
I created this cheeseburger meat loaf one day when I wanted to make cheeseburgers—my husband's favorite—but it was too chilly to grill outside. I've served it numerous times since then, and it never fails to get rave reviews. Even your most finicky eater will enjoy this oven-baked main dish. —Paula Sullivan, Barker, New York
Cheeseburger Meat Loaf Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup ketchup, divided
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
  • 2 teaspoons dill pickle relish
  • 6 slices process American cheese

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup ketchup, egg, bread crumbs and onion powder. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. On a large piece of waxed paper, pat beef mixture into a 10x6-in. rectangle. Spread remaining ketchup over meat to within 1/2 in. of long sides and 1-1/2 in. of short sides. Top with mustard and relish.
  2. Place four cheese slices on top; set remaining cheese aside. Roll up loaf, jelly-roll style, starting with a short side and pulling away waxed paper while rolling. Seal seams and ends well. Place loaf, seam side down, in a greased 11x7-in. baking pan.
  3. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until meat is no longer pink and a thermometer reads 160°. Cut the reserved cheese slices in half diagonally; place on top of loaf. Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cheeseburger Meat Loaf Tips

Can you use a different kind of ground beef to make cheeseburger meat loaf?

Cheeseburger meat loaf can be made with a different kind of ground beef, depending on the lean-to-fat ratio. This recipe calls for beef that is 90% lean meat and 10% fat, which is typically ground round. You could also use ground sirloin, which is 85% lean meat and 15% fat. If you use ground chuck (which has an 80/20 ratio), you may need to drain the fat halfway through cooking, and before you top the meat loaf with cheese. If you like, you could also add cooked crumbled bacon to the mixture to make bacon cheeseburger meat loaf.

Can you use a different kind of cheese to make cheeseburger meat loaf?

Yes! You can use a different kind of cheese to make cheeseburger meat loaf. Try replacing the process American cheese with slices of Swiss, mozzarella, pepper jack or cheddar (or a combo of different kinds).

What can you serve with cheeseburger meat loaf?

Cheeseburger meat loaf is a versatile main dish that can be paired with many side dishes, including sour cream mashed potatoes, old-fashioned green beans, crescent rolls or of course, french fries!

—Julie Schnittka, Taste of Home Senior Editor