Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Cozy Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Ideas

Paula Deen’s cheeseburger meatloaf transforms an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering experience that blends classic comfort food with unexpected zest.

Bold flavors mingle within this hearty dish, creating a memorable meal that surprises and satisfies hungry families.

Tender ground meat gets a delicious upgrade with melted cheese and rich seasonings that elevate the traditional recipe.

Each slice promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes that make dinnertime exciting.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create such a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any meal.

The fusion of burger-inspired elements with classic meatloaf techniques ensures a uniquely delectable dining moment.

Passionate food lovers will appreciate this innovative twist on a traditional favorite: dive into a slice of pure culinary comfort.

Why Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf is a Winner

  • Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform traditional meatloaf into a cheesy, flavor-packed masterpiece that surprises and delights with every bite.
  • Customize with Ease: Blend simple ingredients like ground beef, crackers, and cheddar cheese to create a personalized meal that comes together effortlessly in under 90 minutes.
  • Sauce Sensation: Drench the meatloaf in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that adds luxurious moisture and an extra layer of indulgent flavor, turning a humble dish into a restaurant-worthy experience.

What You Need for Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein base with rich flavor, choose lean meat for less grease.
  • Paula Deen's House Seasoning, Seasoned Salt: Provides deep, balanced seasoning and enhances meat's natural taste.
Moisture and Binding Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy complexity to keep meatloaf tender.
  • Crushed Crackers: Helps bind ingredients and provides subtle texture.
Vegetable and Cheese Mix:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and aromatic flavor, choose crisp and vibrant produce.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully, provides rich and creamy element throughout meatloaf.
Bread and Sauce Components:
  • White Bread Slices: Creates non-stick base for baking and absorbs excess meat drippings.
  • Condensed Soup, Milk, Additional Cheddar Cheese: Creates smooth, creamy topping sauce with rich cheese flavor.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Chopped Onions, Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds color and bright, fresh notes to finished dish.

Making Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Making Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 180°C / 350°F, getting it ready for the meatloaf magic.

Step 2: Create the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Ground beef
  • Paula Deen's House Seasoning
  • Seasoned salt
  • Finely chopped onion
  • Chopped bell pepper
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crushed crackers
  • Sour cream
  • Worcestershire sauce

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Shape the Meaty Masterpiece

Mold the mixture into a gorgeous loaf about 20cm x 8cm / 8 x 3 inches.

Step 4: Set Up the Baking Foundation

Line a rimmed baking sheet with white bread slices, creating a delicious bed for your meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Once done, toss out those bread slices.

Step 6: Whip Up the Cheesy Sauce

While the meatloaf bakes, create a creamy sauce:
  • Condensed soup
  • Milk
  • Additional cheddar cheese

Heat the soup and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cheese until it melts into a smooth, dreamy sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the meatloaf and drizzle with the warm, gooey cheese sauce. For extra pizzazz, sprinkle some chopped onions and fresh parsley on top. Place extra sauce in a bowl for eager diners to pass around the table.

Tips for Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Prevent Greasy Overflow: Place a baking sheet underneath the meatloaf pan to catch any excess fat and protect your oven from messy drips.
  • Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Swiss, or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles beyond traditional cheddar.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the meatloaf reaches 160°F, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked ground beef.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Avoid dry meatloaf by including moistening ingredients like grated onion, milk-soaked breadcrumbs, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
  • Slice with Sharp Knife: Use a serrated or non-stick knife for clean, precise cuts that maintain the meatloaf's structural integrity and appetizing presentation.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Slice and Freeze: Cut the meatloaf into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months, ensuring easy grab-and-go meals during busy weeks.
  • Vacuum Seal: Maximize freshness by using a vacuum sealer for long-term storage. Remove all air from the packaging to prevent oxidation and maintain the meatloaf's original flavor and texture. This method extends refrigerator life to 5-7 days and freezer storage up to 6 months.
  • Quick Reheat Hack: Transform leftover meatloaf by slicing and crisping edges in a skillet with a touch of butter. Add a splash of beef broth to keep the meat moist, creating a restaurant-style reheated dish that tastes almost better than the first serving.

Creative Variations on Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf

  • Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace house seasoning with chili powder, add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and mix in corn kernels for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped spinach, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes. Replace crackers with breadcrumbs and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Smoky Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf: Mix crispy bacon bits into the meat mixture, sprinkle extra bacon on top before baking, and use smoked cheddar cheese to enhance the smoky flavor. Swap Worcestershire sauce for barbecue sauce for added depth.
  • Lean Turkey Veggie Meatloaf: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, add grated zucchini, reduce crackers, and use low-fat cheese to create a lighter, more vegetable-packed alternative that's still full of flavor.

Final Words on Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf emerges as culinary comfort personified, blending classic American flavors with Southern charm.

Hearty ground beef mingles with zesty seasonings, creating a symphony of taste that defies traditional meatloaf expectations.

Cheese-infused layers promise a delightful indulgence for family gatherings and casual dinners alike.

Homemade sauce elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Southern hospitality shines through each carefully crafted slice, inviting warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.

Craving a true taste of comfort?

Dive into this recipe, share the deliciousness on social media, spark conversation with fellow cooking enthusiasts, and let Paula Deen’s magic inspire your next culinary adventure.

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Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Paula Deen Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

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

Description

Paula Deen’s Cheeseburger Meatloaf blends classic comfort with bold flavors from classic American diner cuisine. Juicy ground beef mingles with sharp cheddar and zesty seasonings, creating a hearty meal that satisfies deep cravings for home-style cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) Paula Deen’s House Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Paula Deen’s Seasoned Salt
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 8 slices white bread
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) crushed buttery crackers
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 (10 ¾-ounce / 305 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ soup-can measure of milk
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 180°C / 350°F, ensuring an ideal cooking environment for the meatloaf.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate ground beef with Paula Deen’s House Seasoning, seasoned salt, finely diced onion, vibrant bell pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed crackers, tangy sour cream, and robust Worcestershire sauce. Thoroughly integrate ingredients using clean hands, creating a uniform mixture.
  3. Carefully mold the meat combination into a symmetrical loaf approximately 20cm x 8cm / 8 x 3 inches, ensuring consistent density throughout.
  4. Construct a protective base by layering white bread slices on a rimmed baking sheet, then delicately position the prepared meatloaf atop this edible foundation.
  5. Transfer the meatloaf to the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 45 minutes to 1 hour until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior. Once cooked, extract from oven and discard the underlying bread slices.
  6. Simultaneously craft a luxurious sauce by gently warming condensed soup and milk in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. Gradually incorporate cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until achieving a smooth, completely melted consistency.
  7. Slice the meatloaf with precision, plate with the velvety warm sauce, and optionally embellish with finely chopped onions and fresh parsley. Present additional sauce separately for diners to customize their serving.

Notes

  • Gently fold ingredients to keep the meat tender and prevent a tough, compact texture.
  • Select fresh white bread slices that absorb excess grease and create a non-stick base for perfect meatloaf presentation.
  • Dice onions and bell peppers into tiny pieces to ensure even cooking and seamless integration throughout the meat mixture.
  • Allow the meatloaf to settle after baking, giving it time to reabsorb juices and maintain a succulent, cohesive structure.
  • Slowly incorporate cheese into the sauce over low heat, creating a silky smooth consistency without unwanted clumping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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