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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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