A Hearty Slice of Cheeseburger Heaven
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
For the Cheeseburger Topping:
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For Serving:
Hamburger buns (optional, for a more traditional cheeseburger experience)
Lettuce
Tomato slices
Pickles
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined, but avoid overmixing.
Shape the Loaf:
Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Shape the mixture into a loaf about 2 inches thick to ensure even cooking.
Make the Cheeseburger Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine.
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the cheeseburger topping evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped dill pickles, chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley over the topping.
Bake:
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you like a crispy, caramelized topping, broil the meatloaf for the last 3-5 minutes.
Rest and Serve:
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the meatloaf and serve hot.