Juicy Meatloaf Burger Recipe for Classic Comfort Dinner

Take your burgers to the next level with these Meatloaf Burgers. This recipe is full of flavor and easy to prepare.

This easy Blackstone meatloaf burger recipe uses simple pantry ingredients. If you love classic meatloaf, try shaping the mixture into thick patties and cooking them on a griddle or cast-iron skillet for a perfect blend of crunchy exterior and juicy, seasoned interior.

What’s in this post: Meatloaf Burgers

• What is a Meatloaf Burger?
• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredients
• How to Make Meatloaf Burgers on a Griddle
• Expert Tips
• Topping Ideas
• What to Serve with Burgers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Meatloaf Burgers Recipe

What is a Meatloaf Burger?

A meatloaf burger takes the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf and turns them into a thick hamburger patty. Instead of baking the mixture in a loaf pan, you form patties and cook them on a griddle or skillet. Serve on a toasted bun with ketchup and your favorite burger toppings for a hearty, diner-style sandwich.

Why This Recipe Works

Cooking these patties on a hot flat top or cast-iron skillet develops a crisp, caramelized crust while keeping the center moist and meatloaf-flavored. The added oats or breadcrumbs bind the mixture without weighing it down, and a little ketchup on top during the final minutes gives the patties that classic meatloaf finish.

Ingredients

• Ground beef – 1 1/2 pounds (or substitute ground turkey or a blend)
• Quick oats – 1/2 cup (or use breadcrumbs)
• Eggs – 2
• Small onion – 1/2, diced finely
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon
• Ketchup – 1/3 cup (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping)
• Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
• Avocado oil – 1 tablespoon for the griddle
• Hamburger buns, lettuce, tomato, red onion for serving

Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements and nutrition details.

How to Make Meatloaf Burgers on a Griddle

• Step 1 – Heat the griddle: Preheat the griddle or Blackstone to medium-high, about 400°F.
• Step 2 – Combine the mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, oats, eggs, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup (reserve 2 tablespoons), oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into four even balls.
• Step 3 – Oil the griddle: Spread avocado oil on the flat top. Place the meat balls on the hot surface.
• Step 4 – Press to form patties: Press each ball gently to form a thick patty. Don’t flatten them too thin—just enough to hold shape.
• Step 5 – Cook: Cook the patties 3–5 minutes on the first side to form a good sear.
• Step 6 – Flip and finish: Flip the patties and cook 3–4 more minutes until cooked through (target 160°F internal). Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of the reserved ketchup atop each patty during the last minute.
• Step 7 – Toast buns: Toast buns on the griddle for 1 minute, then assemble with lettuce, tomato, and sliced red onion.
• Step 8 – Serve: Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Expert Tips

• Temperature: Cook patties to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety and best texture.
• Minimal flipping: Flip patties only once to retain juiciness and develop a better crust.
• Make-ahead: Form the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to grill.
• Add cheese: Add a slice of your favorite cheese on top during the last minute if desired.
• Serving prep: Use parchment to rest cooked patties if you need to hold them briefly before serving.

Topping Ideas

These meatloaf burgers pair well with classic and comfort-style toppings. If you’re reducing carbs, skip the bun and serve on lettuce.

• Lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Avocado slices
• Onions (raw or caramelized)
• Pickles
• Ketchup, mustard, mayo
• Mashed potatoes and gravy for a meatloaf-style sandwich
• BBQ sauce

What to Serve with Burgers?

These patties pair well with both traditional burger sides and classic meatloaf sides. Try fries, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

• Blackstone French fries or oven fries
• Grilled or roasted asparagus
• Mashed potatoes (serve on or alongside the burger)
• Glazed carrots or other roasted vegetables
• Coleslaw or a green salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Meatloaf Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup quick oats (or breadcrumbs)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup ketchup (reserve 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 4 hamburger buns, lettuce, tomato, sliced red onion for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the griddle or skillet to medium-high (about 400°F).
2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, quick oats, eggs, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, 1/3 cup ketchup (reserve 2 tablespoons), oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into four even balls.
3. Spread avocado oil on the hot griddle and place the meatballs on the surface.
4. Press each ball gently to shape thick patties; avoid flattening too thin.
5. Cook the patties 3–5 minutes on the first side to develop a sear.
6. Flip once and cook 3–4 minutes more, until cooked through (160°F internal). Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon reserved ketchup on each patty during the last minute.
7. Toast buns on the griddle about 1 minute. Assemble with lettuce, tomato, and sliced onion.
8. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Refrigerate leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 5 days. These patties can be shaped ahead and kept chilled until cooking.

Nutrition (approximate per serving)

Calories: 694 | Carbs: 39 g | Protein: 39 g | Fat: 42 g

We love hearing from readers. If you make these meatloaf burgers, leave a comment or a review to share how they turned out.