Diane'S Cheeseburger Loaf
Diane's Cheeseburger Loaf offers a comforting, cheesy, and savory dish combining ground beef, cheese, and seasonings, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients except the cheese.
- Line a loaf pan with foil.
- Spread half of the cheese evenly in the bottom of the pan.
- Cover with half of the meat mixture.
- Repeat with the remaining cheese and meat mixture.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder to the meat mixture. If you don't have American cheese, cheddar or mozzarella can work as substitutes. For a different texture, you might try using crushed tortilla chips instead of cracker crumbs. Make sure to press the meat mixture firmly into the loaf pan for better cohesion. This dish pairs well with similar comfort food like Lazy Womans Stuffed Cabbage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheeseburger loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with baked beans or coleslaw. For a fun twist, try slicing it and serving it on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings. This dish is great for family dinners and can be a satisfying centerpiece like Meatball Dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheeseburger loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes for a crispy exterior.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diane'S Cheeseburger Loaf contains roughly 261 calories, with 8g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value) and calcium (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1776mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the cheeseburger loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked loaf before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cracker crumbs?
If you don't have cracker crumbs, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs can work as well. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How do I know when the cheeseburger loaf is done?
The cheeseburger loaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the loaf should be firm to the touch and the juices should run clear when you cut into it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).