Wow! You all never cease to amaze me. The third monthly edition of our Before & After Parties kicked off last Friday, and I am beyond thrilled by the fantastic projects that have been linked up so far.
If you’re new to the Before & After concept, let me introduce you to this exciting journey! It’s a set of link parties where we focus on an idea at the start of the month, work toward a goal, and then share our progress at the end. It’s a wonderful way to stay motivated, push past creative barriers, and accomplish something meaningful. The best part? You don’t need a blog to participate! Simply send me before and after pictures via email, and I’ll showcase them. The topics are limitless – whether you’re learning to bake bread, tackling a home renovation project, or even starting to write that novel you’ve always dreamed about.
We’re all about setting goals and achieving them together! If you’d like to share a project, the March Before Party is open all month long, and we’d love for you to join us.
Let’s Talk Mangia Mondays!
Here at Mangia Mondays, we celebrate food every week! I co-host MM with the lovely Kristin of Delightfully Dowling, and we are constantly inspired by all the delectable recipes shared.
Now, before you scroll past thinking, “Meatloaf? Hard pass.” stay with me! I totally get it. Meatloaf often has a reputation for being bland, dry, or just plain unappetizing. Maybe your childhood memories of meatloaf involve an overcooked, grayish slab of mystery meat, or perhaps just hearing the word “meatloaf” triggers an impromptu karaoke session of Paradise by the Dashboard Light.
But trust me this is not your typical meatloaf. This is Cheeseburger Meatloaf, and it will completely change your perception of this classic dish. Imagine a cheeseburger, but baked into a pan juicy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. It’s so delicious that it might just become a household favorite! And if you have any leftovers (though that’s highly unlikely), it makes for an amazing sandwich the next day. Seriously nom nom nom!
Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 6 tablespoons ketchup (divided: 4 tablespoons for the meat mixture, 2 tablespoons for the topping)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (divided: 1 tablespoon for the meat mixture, 1 tablespoon for the topping)
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (or substitute 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef (or a combination of 1/2 lb. ground beef, 1/2 lb. ground pork, and 1/2 lb. ground veal—but I personally stick with the all-beef version)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onions and cook for about 3 minutes until they soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onions, 4 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, shredded mozzarella, breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan, oregano, black pepper, and lightly beaten egg.
- Crumble the ground beef (or meat blend) into the bowl and mix everything together until well combined.
- Spray an 8×4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and pack the meat mixture firmly into the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of ketchup with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Spread this tangy glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and slicing.
- Serve and enjoy!
Why You Need to Try This Meatloaf!
If you’ve never been a fan of meatloaf, this recipe will win you over. It has all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger savory beef, melted cheese, and a tangy sauce that enhances every bite. And let’s not forget the crispy edges that develop as it bakes absolute perfection!
Need another reason to give it a shot? It’s incredibly easy to make. No fancy techniques, no complicated ingredients just simple, comforting flavors that come together beautifully.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can tweak the recipe to fit your taste! Try using cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella, or add crispy bacon bits to take it up a notch. Want some spice? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!
Join the Fun – Link Up Your Recipes!
Now that you’ve got a delicious Mangia Mondays Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe to try, why not join the fun?
If you have a recipe, kitchen tip, cooking hack, or even a restaurant review to share, link it up! Mangia Mondays is all about celebrating food in all its delicious forms.
Wishing you all a fantastic week filled with good food and even better company!
Happy cooking! 🍽️✨
