Cheeseburger Meatloaf Cheddar Roll

Featured in: Hearty and Delicious Meals

Enjoy classic cheeseburger flavors reimagined in a savory meatloaf featuring melty Cheddar cheese. Seasoned ground beef is rolled around a generous layer of shredded Cheddar, then baked to golden perfection. Slicing reveals an irresistible pinwheel of meat and cheese that brings comfort to the dinner table. This method locks in moisture and guarantees gooey cheese in every bite, making it a satisfying choice for family meals or casual gatherings. Serve with favorite sides for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing main.

sana kitchen chef
By Sana Sana
Updated on Tue, 20 May 2025 23:08:25 GMT
Cheeseburger Meatloaf Cheddar Roll Pin it
Cheeseburger Meatloaf Cheddar Roll | recipebyme.com

This cheesy meatloaf roll has been the star of countless family gatherings and Sunday suppers at my house. Instead of a classic loaf, it features a swirl of gooey Cheddar cheese tucked inside juicy beef—think of it as the cheeseburger your meatloaf always wanted to be. It is comfort food that looks impressive but feels familiar.

I first tried rolling cheese inside my meatloaf out of curiosity, but it was an instant hit at our table and quickly became a meal my kids ask for whenever we get together.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Two pounds forms the base and keeps the loaf rich and tender choose twenty percent fat for juiciness
  • Fresh bread crumbs: Three-fourths cup binds the meat and makes it soft homemade or bakery bread crumbs give better texture than packaged
  • Minced onion: One-half cup brings sweetness and depth look for a firm onion and mince it finely for even distribution
  • Large eggs: Two beaten help bind everything together farm fresh eggs add richness
  • Salt: One and a half teaspoons seasons each bite choose fine sea salt for easy mixing
  • Ground black pepper: One and a half teaspoons adds gentle heat freshly ground makes a difference
  • Shredded Cheddar cheese: Three cups provides those gooey cheddar swirls go for a block and shred it yourself for the smoothest melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Meat Base:
In a large bowl blend the ground beef bread crumbs minced onion beaten eggs salt and pepper with clean hands or a sturdy spoon until evenly combined but do not overwork or the loaf can become tough
Shape and Fill:
On a wide piece of wax paper flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle about fourteen by eighteen inches thick but even across the surface to make rolling easier
Add the Cheese:
Scatter shredded Cheddar evenly over the meat leaving about a three-quarter inch border around the edges this keeps the cheese from oozing out as it bakes
Roll and Seal:
Gently roll the mixture starting from the short edge into a log shape like you would roll a jelly roll use the paper to help lift and roll pinch the ends and seam firmly to trap the cheese inside
Transfer and Bake:
Carefully move the loaf into a ten by fifteen inch baking dish seam side down this helps keep it closed during cooking bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about one hour or until a thermometer registers one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit at the center
Rest and Serve:
Let the meatloaf rest for at least ten minutes before slicing this prevents the cheese from spilling out and keeps the slices neat
A piece of meat covered in cheese and sauce.
A piece of meat covered in cheese and sauce. | recipebyme.com

Cheddar is the heart of this recipe for me and seeing the faces of my family light up when they cut into those cheesy spirals is a memory I treasure. My youngest once called it magic meat and that name just might stick.

Storage Tips

After cooling wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic and refrigerate up to four days. For meal prepping or longer storage freeze individual slices in airtight containers. To reheat warm them in the oven to maintain the gooey cheese texture instead of using the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey for the beef if you want it a bit lighter or try half beef and half pork for added flavor. For the cheese the recipe shines with Cheddar but Monterey Jack or mozzarella sells a similar creamy bite. Gluten free bread crumbs work just as well as regular if you have dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it classic with mashed potatoes and green beans for a traditional meal or make it a party by slicing and stacking into buns with pickles and burger sauce. I love putting a slice on toasted sourdough with a spoonful of ketchup for a quick lunch.

Cultural Context

Meatloaf has roots in European comfort cooking and gained popularity in America as a budget-friendly dish during the twentieth century. Rolling it with cheese gives a playful cheeseburger twist that bridges old-fashioned home cooking with diner favorites. This Cheddar roll is the best of both worlds.

A piece of meat with a brown sauce on it.
A piece of meat with a brown sauce on it. | recipebyme.com

This cheesy Swirls Meatloaf roll is homey and satisfying—perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use pre-shredded Cheddar instead of freshly shredded?

Yes, pre-shredded Cheddar is convenient and melts well, though freshly shredded cheese offers smoother texture and richer flavor.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Be sure to seal the ends of the loaf tightly and keep a cheese-free border around the edges before rolling to help contain the filling.

→ What sides pair well with this meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments for a balanced meal.

→ Can I prepare the loaf in advance?

Yes, the loaf can be assembled ahead, refrigerated, and baked later. Allow to come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

→ What's the best way to slice the loaf without it falling apart?

Allow the meatloaf to rest for several minutes after baking before slicing to help it firm up and hold its shape.

Cheeseburger Meatloaf Cheddar Roll

Ground beef rolled with Cheddar delivers hearty comfort and a cheesy, golden finish with every bite.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
60 min
Total Time
80 min
By Sana: Sana

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 large loaf)

Dietary Categories: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 900 g ground beef
02 180 g fresh bread crumbs
03 75 g minced onion
04 2 large eggs, beaten
05 9 g salt
06 4 g ground black pepper
07 340 g shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps

Step 01

Set the oven to 175°C.

Step 02

Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.

Step 03

On wax paper, press the meat mixture into a 35 x 45 cm rectangle.

Step 04

Distribute shredded Cheddar cheese across the surface, leaving a 2 cm border around the edge.

Step 05

Gently roll the mixture into a log, enclosing the cheese, and press the ends to seal the filling.

Step 06

Carefully transfer the loaf to a 25 x 38 cm baking dish.

Step 07

Place in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the centre registers at least 70°C on an instant-read thermometer.

Notes

  1. Allow the loaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain shape and retain melted cheese.

Required Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wax paper
  • Baking dish (25 x 38 cm)
  • Instant-read thermometer

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, and gluten.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This data is provided as a guide and doesn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 510
  • Fats: 37 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 35 g