Sandra This Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe is a cheesy and juicy recipe, which is made with ground beef and sharp Cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ¾ cup fresh bread crumbs
- ½ cup minced onion
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
How To Make Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Preheat Oven and Mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined.
- Form the Meat Rectangle: Place a large piece of wax paper on your counter. Pat the meat mixture out onto the wax paper, forming a rectangle that is roughly 14×18 inches.
- Add Cheese and Roll: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the meat, leaving about a ¾-inch border along all the edges. Starting from one of the shorter ends, carefully roll the meat up like a jelly-roll to enclose the cheese.
- Seal and Place in Dish: Pinch the seam and the ends of the loaf together firmly to seal the cheese inside. Carefully place the meatloaf, seam-side down, in a 10×15-inch baking dish or a similar-sized baking pan.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160°F (70°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This is crucial to allow the juices to settle and the cheese to set, making it easier to slice.
Recipe Tips
- How to keep the cheese from leaking out? The most important step is to seal the loaf properly. After rolling, pinch the long seam together tightly. Then, press and fold the meat in on both ends to completely enclose the cheese filling.
- How do I keep the meatloaf moist? Use ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20, for a juicier result. Also, be very careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the final texture tough and dry.
- Can I add other “cheeseburger” toppings? Absolutely. For a “bacon cheeseburger” feel, you can add cooked, crumbled bacon in with the cheese filling. Finely diced pickles or jalapeños could also be added for extra flavor.
- Why use fresh bread crumbs? Fresh bread crumbs (made from soft, fresh bread) are lighter and absorb moisture differently than dry breadcrumbs, contributing to a more tender meatloaf.
What To Serve With Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Treat this like a classic cheeseburger dinner and pair it with fun, comforting sides.
- French Fries or Tater Tots
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- A simple side salad with ranch dressing
- Steamed green beans or corn on the cob
How To Store Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked and cooled slices. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cheeseburger Meatloaf Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Sodium: ~980mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
This usually happens if you slice it too soon after it comes out of the oven. Letting the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes is a critical step that allows the loaf to firm up and hold its shape.
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Try using Provolone, Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy Pepper Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
While the original recipe doesn’t call for it, you could certainly add a classic meatloaf glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and a little mustard. Spread it on top during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
Description
A fun twist on a classic, this juicy ground beef meatloaf is rolled up with a gooey, melted Cheddar cheese center.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently mix beef, bread crumbs, onion, eggs, and seasonings.
- On wax paper, pat the meat mixture into a large 14×18-inch rectangle.
- Sprinkle cheese over the meat, leaving a small border.
- Roll the meat up tightly like a jelly-roll to enclose the cheese.
- Pinch the seam and ends to seal completely. Place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the ground beef mixture to ensure a tender meatloaf.
- Sealing the edges and seam of the roll very well is key to preventing the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing is essential; otherwise, it may fall apart.
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest, most flavorful result.
