Keto Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

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Are you craving a cheeseburger? If so, then you're gonna love the taste of our Keto Cheeseburger Meatloaf. It's packed with all those tasty flavors of a classic burger but perfectly fits into your keto lifestyle. Trust us! The juicy ground beef with melted cheese and crispy bacon hits the spot!

Cheese filled meatloaf sliced atop a wooden serving platter

This Keto Cheeseburger Meatloaf is sponsored by Moon Cheese. Thank you for supporting the brands that make delicious Cast Iron Keto recipes EPIC.

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Preparation and cooking overview

This hearty dish is easy to prepare. Whip up a flavorful meat mixture, add gooey cheddar cheese, and pop it in the oven for an hour. Without much effort, you will savor the taste of a classic hamburger. How's that for a lazy meal plan?

Chef's note

Feel free to unleash your creativity and make the most of your kitchen pantry. Have you got some bell peppers and spinach? Chop them and add in the meat mixture. If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos. You can add chopped fresh parsley or basil to the loaf as toppings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients for this keto cheeseburger meatloaf recipe

This recipe requires simple ingredients you can easily find at the store. Here's what you'll need to get:

For the meatloaf

1 ½ pound ground beef
1 package of cheddar Moon Cheese crushed
2 large eggs
8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
½ cup diced dill pickles
¼ cup minced white onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the glaze

¼ cup unsweetened ketchup
2 tablespoons brown erythritol
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Ingredient substitutions

If you can't find the exact ingredients, swap them with these alternatives:

Dill pickles: If you're not a fan of pickles, feel free to skip them. Or swap it with capers for a tangy crunch.
Unsweetened ketchup: If you can't find this, mix regular tomato paste with apple cider vinegar and a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Brown erythritol: Can't find this either? Use another low-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Additional ingredients

Feel free to have your spin on this keto meatloaf. You can boost the flavors with a few simple additions.

Fresh herbs: Mix some chopped fresh parsley or chives for a fresh flavor.
Spicy kick: If you love a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture.
Garlic: Add minced garlic to the meatloaf for an extra savory touch.
Mustard: For a tangy twist, mix a bit of Dijon mustard with your meatloaf or glaze.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe, you will need the following tools:

Large bowl
10" or larger cast iron skillet
Meat thermometer
Small bowl
Mixing spoon
Knife
Cutting board
Shredder

Tools substitute options

10" or larger cast iron skillet: Any oven-safe dish or baking pan works. It must be large enough to hold your meatloaf.
Meat thermometer: If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can use the following method. Look for clear juices running from the center of the meatloaf, indicating that it is properly cooked. Additionally, gently touch the meatloaf to ensure it feels firm, further confirming its readiness.

How to make Keto Cheeseburger Meatloaf: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

Baking

Preparation steps

Gather your ingredients and measure them.
Crush your cheddar Moon Cheese into small pieces until it resembles breadcrumbs. You can use a food processor, blender, or a meat mallet...your choice. (We used this mini food processor.)
Chop your dill pickles into small dice. Also, mince your white onion finely.
Shred 4 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.
In a large bowl, mix together the beef, crushed Moon Cheese, crumbled bacon, eggs, pickles, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

Cooking instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Take half of the meatloaf mixture and place it in the skillet. Shape it into a big loaf, creating a little divot in the center.
Add the shredded cheddar to the divot. Then top it with the remaining meatloaf mixture. Press the sides together to seal the filling.
In a small bowl, mix together the topping. Pour over the meatloaf.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Step by Step assembly of Meatloaf, step one meat mixture in skillet.

Step by Step assembly of cheeseburger Meatloaf, step two layer of cheese sprinkled on meat mixture.

Chef's pro tip

When mixing your meatloaf ingredients, remember not to overmix them, as it can lead to a dry texture. Instead, mix the ingredients until they are just combined—neither more nor less. And when shaping the loaf in your skillet, be gentle and avoid squishing it too much. Shape it with care!

What to serve with keto cheeseburger meatloaf?

Pair this low-carb meatloaf with a keto-friendly side dish for a simple meal. Some of the options are:

Roasted vegetables: Go for a colorful medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, all lightly tossed in olive oil and herbs.
Cauliflower rice: This low-carb alternative to traditional rice pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the meatloaf.
Steamed broccoli or green beans: The fresh veggies help balance the hearty meatloaf.
Keto garlic bread: Place a meatloaf slice between two slices of bread and enjoy a sandwich. Check our Ket o Dinner Rolls for a full recipe.
Avocado salad: Tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette, this salad will bring a refreshing contrast to the meal.

How to make it healthier

Use organic ingredients: If possible, opt for organic ground meat, eggs, and vegetables.
Lower the salt: Reduce the salt in the recipe and use a low-sodium Worcestershire sauce.
Add vegetables: Mix in some finely chopped veggies, like mushrooms, or bell peppers, to the meatloaf mixture.
Fry the bacon: Instead of buying pre-crumbled bacon, fry the bacon strips in a pan over medium-high heat. Crumble them once they cool down.

Time-saving tips

Use kitchen gadgets: Use a food processor to crush your Moon Cheese and mince your onion quickly.
Pre-cooked bacon: If you're short on time, get pre-cooked bacon from your store. It will save you the step of cooking and crumbling it.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Grated cheese: Grate your cheddar cheese the night before and store it in the fridge. It will be ready when you need it.
Bacon: Cook your bacon in advance. You could do this the night before or in the morning. Once cooked and cooled, crumble it and keep it ready.
Moon cheese: Crush your Moon Cheese and have it ready to go. You can store it in an airtight container until you need it.
Meatloaf mixture: If you have time, prepare and store the meat mixture. When you are ready, transfer it to the skillet and cook.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

Let's ensure your Keto Cheesy Meatloaf tastes just as good the next day!

Refrigerator: Place the meatloaf in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Slice the loaf and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Store in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for 2-3 months.

Reheating instructions

Thaw the frozen leftovers overnight if you plan to reheat them. Here are some reheating practices:

In the oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Place the meatloaf slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Stovetop: Reheat slices in a non-stick skillet over medium heat on the stove. Just cover and cook each side for a few minutes until warm.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe takes all the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger and morphs them into a cozy meatloaf form. The best part is that it's simple to make, making it accessible for both novice cooks and those following a keto lifestyle. It's an excellent choice for a mouthwatering dinner or a satisfying lunch. So, let's get ready, put on your apron, and get cooking. It's time to add a delicious new delicacy to your keto recipe collection.

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our Keto Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Bacon! for a dinner with a fiery kick.

Frequently asked questions

To make this recipe, buy 2 ounces packages of Moon Cheese.

We recommend an 80/20 mix (80% lean meat, 20% fat) for a juicy and flavorful result.

Yes, if they are keto-friendly, feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.

Yes, you can add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.

We haven't tried it, but you can experiment with flaxseed. Mix two tablespoons of ground flaxseed and six tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.

Worcestershire sauce is generally considered keto-friendly as it contains minimal carbohydrates and sugar. However, it's essential to check the specific brand and ingredients. Opt for a Worcestershire sauce with no added sugars, or choose a keto-approved brand.

In this recipe, we are using a small amount. So, yes, it is fine.

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