Cheesy Meatloaf Burgers

What is your favorite comfort food? Mine is meatloaf! I love that meatloaf can be so versatile. You can tweak it and adjust it to fit your cravings. My husband learned quickly that if I had the choice, I could eat meatloaf EVERY. DAY. Unfortunately, (or maybe, fortunately) he does not share my affinity towards meatloaf. So we made an agreement to maybe not have meatloaf as much as I would like... but he also doesn't really cook dinner. Sorry, honey! I love you! And meatloaf.

"The egg and cheese creates this yummy crust like texture on the outside of the patties, which makes these burgers perfect!"

Tonight, I wanted to have meatloaf, but by the time I started cooking, it was already 7PM... my classic recipe takes at least an hour to cook! I was not feeling that! So, I improvised! And the cheesy meatloaf burger was born!

One of the best things about having meatloaf, is the leftovers! Have you ever had a fried meatloaf sandwich?? YUM! Well, these cheesy meatloaf burgers are basically a more delicious short-cut to the amazingness that is a meatloaf sandwich.

First, you want to get your cast iron skillet nice and hot (over medium-high heat). Mix the ingredients well in a medium sized mixing bowl. Once you get it all mixed well, divide the mixture into 4-6 patties. I sprinkled a little Weber brand Steak'N Chop on one side, but you could really use any burger seasoning you like.Then fry those babies up!

You want to cook them well-done. I know, I know... a well-done burger?! My dad would be so disappointed! But because of the egg, you definitely want to make sure these are cooked well before eating them. The egg and cheese creates this yummy crust like texture on the outside of the patties, which makes these burgers perfect!

One of the best parts of meatloaf, is the yummy caramelized sauce on the top! So we are going to make a simple ketchup reduction while the burgers are frying. Add a couple of tablespoons of ketchup (or your favorite meatloaf sauce) to a small pan over medium heat. Cook it down until it is thicker, almost like a paste. Stir occasionally to make sure you do not burn it!

Once the burgers are done, top them with a slice of American (or a cheddar cheese) and spread a dollop of sauce on top.

We are trying to limit our carb intake, so I served them over a bed of fresh leafy lettuce from the garden, but I bet some toasty bread or buns would pair nicely as well!

Enjoy!!!

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Cheesy Meatloaf Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, raw

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed

• 3/4 cup shredded cheese (I used a shredded Mexican blend)

• Burger seasoning of your choice

• 2 Tbsp Ketchup (or meatloaf sauce of your choice)

• Optional (toppings): sliced American cheese, dill pickles

Directions

1. Heat up a cast iron skillet (or other skillet) on the stove to medium-high heat.

2. Mix the ground beef, large egg, crackers and cheese in a medium mixing bowl.

3. Separate mixture into 4 -6 patties. Sprinkle patties with burger seasoning.

4. Pan fry the patties, flipping occasionally, in the skillet until heated through so all of the pink is gone. You should have a crispy brown crust on both sides when they are done.

5. While the patties are frying, add the ketchup to a small sauce pan. Cook over medium heat until the sauce is reduced, thickened, to a paste-like texture. Stir often so the sauce does not burn.

6. Top with a slice of American cheese & the reduced sauce.

Enjoy with a green salad or some steamed veggies.

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Recipe Tips:

• Want to make this, but on a low-carb diet? Swap out the crackers with an almond meal or crushed pork rinds! About 1/2 cup should be enough.

• Add in some pre-steamed/cooked veggies! I have added cooked potatoes (leftover french fries), cooked carrots, but my all-time favorite vegetable addition is canned green beans! They compliment the flavors in the meat so well! Just make sure the pieces of vegetables are kind of chopped up so they do not cause the burgers to fall apart. If you add the vegetables, and it makes your mixture too crumbly, add another egg!

Share your food pictures if you make this recipe, and make sure you tag me! I can't wait to see what yummy ways you make this recipe your own!