Cheeseburger Meatloaf with Pickles Recipe
This Cheeseburger Meatloaf with Pickles recipe combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty, comforting meatloaf made with lean ground turkey. Topped with a tangy ketchup-mustard sauce, pickles, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 pounds lean ground turkey
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup white onion, grated
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Topping Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
Toppings
- 1 cup bread & butter pickles, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, ¼ cup ketchup, eggs, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, panko bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, and ground pepper. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep the loaf tender.
- Make the sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup ketchup and ¼ cup yellow mustard until smooth. Set aside for topping later.
- Shape and bake the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a rectangular loaf approximately 6 inches by 9 inches and 1 ½ inches thick. Place it in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until an internal meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Add toppings and finish baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the mustard-ketchup sauce over the top. Sprinkle the diced bread & butter pickles and shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Take the meatloaf out of the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making it easier to slice. Slice into 8 equal pieces and serve warm. Enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired meatloaf!
Notes
- Store leftovers in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This meatloaf is great for next-day lunches.
- Make sure the ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Use freshly grated onion for better texture and flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs help keep the meatloaf light and moist compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- The nutrition information is an estimate and should not replace professional dietary advice.
