Cheeseburger Meatloaf (Keto/Low Carb): Juicy, Cheesy, and Low-Carb

If you love the flavors of a classic cheeseburger but want a keto-friendly or low-carb alternative, this Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the perfect solution. Packed with juicy ground beef, savory onions, and gooey cheddar cheese pockets, this meatloaf delivers all the satisfaction of a cheeseburger in one hearty, oven-baked dish. It’s a protein-rich, low-carb meal that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a family-friendly comfort food option.

Unlike traditional meatloaf recipes that rely on breadcrumbs or high-carb fillers, this version uses Parmesan cheese and eggs to bind the ingredients, keeping it low-carb without sacrificing flavor or texture. The addition of cheddar cheese cubes creates melty, cheesy pockets throughout the meatloaf, offering a delightful surprise in every bite.

This article will guide you through the ingredients, preparation method, tips for perfect meatloaf, optional variations, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions, helping you achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful meatloaf every time.

Why This Meatloaf Works

This meatloaf works because it balances moisture, flavor, and texture. Using high-fat ground beef (like 80/20) ensures juiciness, while eggs and Parmesan cheese act as natural binders without the need for breadcrumbs. Diced onions add savory depth, and garlic powder enhances the beef’s flavor. Cheddar cheese cubes distributed throughout the meatloaf melt as it bakes, creating pockets of gooey, cheesy goodness that replicate the cheeseburger experience.

Baking the meatloaf slowly allows the flavors to meld together while retaining moisture. By avoiding high-carb fillers, this dish stays keto-friendly and allows the natural flavors of the beef, cheese, and seasonings to shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pounds ground beef – Use ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20) for optimal juiciness.
• 2 eggs – Help bind the meatloaf together and provide structure.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds flavor and helps hold the meatloaf together without breadcrumbs.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced – Provides classic savory flavor and texture.
• 2 teaspoons salt – Enhances overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds subtle depth and complements the beef.
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, cut into cubes – Creates gooey, melty pockets of cheese inside the meatloaf.

Optional toppings and flavor additions include sugar-free ketchup, mustard, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or a sprinkle of paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, grated Parmesan, diced onion, salt, and garlic powder. Mix gently using your hands or a spatula until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense meatloaf.

Step 3: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Fold in cheddar cheese cubes, distributing them evenly throughout the meat mixture. These cubes will melt during baking and form delicious pockets of cheese inside the meatloaf.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a uniform loaf. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Optional: spread a thin layer of sugar-free ketchup or mustard on top for extra flavor and a slightly caramelized finish.

Step 5: Bake
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The cheese inside will melt and the top may brown slightly. Avoid overbaking to keep the meatloaf juicy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful. Slice into thick portions and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• High-fat beef matters: Using 80/20 ground beef ensures the meatloaf is juicy and flavorful. Leaner beef can become dry.
• Avoid overmixing: Mixing too much can result in a dense, tough meatloaf. Gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
• Uniform cheese cubes: Cut cheddar into small, even cubes for consistent pockets of melted cheese.
• Rest before slicing: Letting the meatloaf rest prevents the juices from running out and keeps the slices intact.
• Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F without overcooking.

Flavor Variations

• Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture or layer strips of bacon on top before baking.
• Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
• Mushroom & Swiss: Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms.
• Herbed Variation: Mix in fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for aromatic depth.
• Sauce Options: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, or a low-carb tomato glaze for variety.

Serving Suggestions

This meatloaf pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted or steamed low-carb vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans.
• A fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
• Mashed cauliflower as a keto-friendly alternative to mashed potatoes.
• A side of sautéed mushrooms or garlic butter zucchini for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: Mix and shape the meatloaf in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Freezing: Unbaked meatloaf can be frozen in a loaf pan, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, 1/8 of loaf)

Calories: 310
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g

Values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but ground turkey is leaner and may result in a drier meatloaf. Consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a bit of cheese for moisture.

Do I need to precook the onions?
No, dicing and mixing raw onions into the meatloaf works well, as they will cook during baking.

Can I make this meatloaf dairy-free?
Yes, substitute Parmesan and cheddar with dairy-free cheese alternatives.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the cheddar cubes are fully encased in the meat mixture. Press them gently into the center to avoid spilling over.

Can I freeze baked meatloaf?
Yes, fully baked meatloaf can be cooled, wrapped, and frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain juiciness.

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger Meatloaf (Keto/Low Carb) is the perfect fusion of comfort food and low-carb living. Juicy ground beef, flavorful onions, and melted cheddar cheese combine to create a dish that satisfies cravings without high carbs.

It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for families, meal prep, or entertaining. With its gooey cheese pockets, savory flavor, and keto-friendly profile, this meatloaf proves that indulgent comfort food can also be nutritious and low in carbohydrates.

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Whether served with roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a fresh salad, this meatloaf is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that will quickly become a staple in your low-carb recipe collection.