Hearty Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Savory Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe with a Twist

Mouthwatering Paula Deen’s cheeseburger meatloaf bursts with flavor that transforms mundane weeknight dinners into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Juicy ground meat mingles with melted cheese, creating a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this innovative recipe that blends burger magic into classic meatloaf traditions.

Savory seasonings weave through each tender slice, promising a meal that sparks conversation and excitement.

Families will crave this hearty dish that elevates simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Every bite tells a delicious story of culinary creativity.

Get ready to revolutionize dinnertime with this irresistible masterpiece.

What Goes Into Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf

For Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Choose lean meat with a nice marbling for juicy, flavorful results.
  • Paula Deen's House Seasoning: Adds robust depth and signature southern flavor profile.
  • Seasoned Salt: Boosts overall taste complexity with balanced herb notes.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Sour Cream, Crushed Crackers: Creates tender texture and helps hold meatloaf together smoothly.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides tangy undertone and enhances meat's natural richness.
For Flavor and Texture Boosters:
  • Finely Chopped Onion, Chopped Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables add crunch, sweetness, and nutritional depth.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, creamy element that melts beautifully throughout mixture.
For Cheese Sauce:
  • Condensed Soup, Milk, Additional Cheddar Cheese: Creates silky, luxurious topping with rich, comforting flavor.
  • Chopped Onions, Fresh Parsley: Provides bright garnish and final flavor enhancement.

Kitchen Essentials for Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients with ease.
  • Rimmed baking sheet: Provides stable surface for cooking meatloaf.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Medium saucepan: Ideal for creating smooth, cheesy sauce.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Helps slice meatloaf neatly.
  • Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.
  • Cutting board: Safe surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Cheese grater: Helps shred fresh cheddar cheese.

How to Cook Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf

How to Cook Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf
  • Fire Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to create the perfect cooking environment for a delicious meatloaf adventure.

  • Create a Flavor Explosion

Grab a mixing bowl and combine ground beef with zesty seasonings, finely chopped vegetables, and creamy ingredients. Get your hands dirty and mix everything until the ingredients dance together perfectly.

  • Craft Your Meaty Masterpiece

Shape the mixture into a beautiful loaf, ensuring it’s compact and ready for baking. Create a foundation of bread slices on the baking sheet to catch all the delicious drippings.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the hot oven and let it transform into a mouthwatering centerpiece. Cook until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown, typically taking about 45-60 minutes.

  • Whip Up a Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the meatloaf bakes, prepare a luxurious sauce by gently heating condensed soup with milk. Stir in melted cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and irresistibly creamy.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Slice the meatloaf with pride and drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and chopped onions for an extra burst of flavor. Place additional sauce in a bowl for everyone to enjoy.

Meatloaf Tips and Flavor Variations

Experiment with different ground meats like turkey or pork for a unique twist on the classic meatloaf. Each variation brings its own rich flavor profile to the table.

Swap cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack to elevate the cheese sauce and add unexpected depth. Sharp cheeses can transform the entire dish with their bold character.

Replace standard crackers with panko breadcrumbs or seasoned cornbread crumbs for added texture and a slight crunch. These alternatives can make your meatloaf more interesting and personalized.

Incorporate diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture for those who crave a spicier experience. Heat levels can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions for Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Elevate Meatloaf with Complementary Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables perfectly balance the rich, cheesy meatloaf, adding nutritional depth and texture to your meal.
  • Pair with Vibrant Salads: Fresh garden salad or tangy coleslaw cuts through the meatloaf's richness, providing a crisp and refreshing counterpoint to the hearty main dish.
  • Create a Comfort Food Experience: Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the extra cheese sauce, transforming the meal into a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug.
  • Family-Style Serving Suggestion: Present the meatloaf on a large platter, surrounded by the sides, allowing everyone to serve themselves and enjoy a communal, interactive dining moment.

How to Store and Reheat Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Refrigerate Quickly: Cool the meatloaf completely, then store in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Portion and Protect: Slice leftovers into individual portions for easy reheating and grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
  • Smart Freezing Strategy: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm individual slices in the microwave or oven at 165°F, adding a splash of extra cheese sauce to keep the meat moist and delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 548 kcal

Servings: 8

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Hearty Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Hearty Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Paula Deen cheeseburger meatloaf combines classic comfort with southern charm. Cheese-studded meat mingles with crispy bacon, creating a satisfying dinner that brings family to the table with warm enthusiasm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb (907 g) ground beef
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) crushed buttery crackers
  • 1 (10 ¾ oz / 305 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 8 slices white bread
  • ½ soup-can measure of milk
  • 1 medium onion, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) Paula Deen’s House Seasoning
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Paula Deen’s Seasoned Salt
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F and position rack in the center for even cooking. Line a rimmed baking sheet with white bread slices to create a moisture-absorbing base.
  2. Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, House Seasoning, seasoned salt, diced onion, bell pepper, cheddar cheese, crushed crackers, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend ingredients thoroughly with hands until uniformly mixed, ensuring consistent flavor distribution.
  3. Shaping: Form the meat mixture into a compact, symmetrical loaf measuring approximately 20cm x 8cm, maintaining even thickness to promote uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  4. Baking: Place the shaped meatloaf on the bread-lined baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes. Monitor for a rich golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaching 160°F, indicating complete cooking.
  5. Sauce Preparation: While meatloaf roasts, create a creamy cheese sauce by gently heating condensed soup and milk in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in cheddar cheese until smooth and fully melted, maintaining a consistent texture.
  6. Serving: Remove meatloaf from oven, discard bread slices, and let rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice carefully, plate with warm cheese sauce, and garnish with chopped onions and fresh parsley. Serve additional sauce on the side for personalized enjoyment.

Notes

  • Massage Meat Gently: Blend ingredients carefully without overmixing to maintain a tender, juicy meatloaf texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Choose Quality Crackers: Select buttery, crisp crackers like Ritz for added richness and perfect binding that elevates the overall flavor profile.
  • Cheese Distribution Matters: Spread shredded cheddar evenly throughout the mixture to create delightful cheesy pockets in every single bite.
  • Sauce Consistency Check: Stir cheese sauce continuously and slowly to prevent burning, ensuring a silky-smooth topping that complements the hearty meatloaf perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 548
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 861 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 107 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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