Meet your new favorite comfort food: the Meatloaf Burger, cooked to perfection on a Blackstone griddle. Picture this: the juicy, savory goodness of meatloaf reimagined as a burger, with a hidden surprise of crispy bacon and a melty cheddar cheese option.
This recipe takes you through creating these epic meatloaf burgers, perfect for your next backyard barbecue. You’ll get step-by-step instructions for cooking on the Blackstone griddle, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. We’ll also cover toasting the buns just right and adding the best toppings for a mouthwatering finish.
We won’t stop there. Our serving suggestions will help you round out your meal with sides like crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, and grilled vegetables. And, of course, we’ll recommend the perfect beverages—think craft beer and refreshing lemonade—to wash it all down.
Get ready to up your grilling game and wow everyone with this ultimate comfort food twist. With a few tips and tricks, you’ll be making these unforgettable meatloaf burgers in no time.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Burger Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ cup finely diced onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (pre-cooked to crispy)
- Optional: Sharp cheddar cheese slices
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ½ cup brown sugar
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Sriracha Mayo
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Preparation
Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Heat the oil on a pre-warmed Blackstone griddle set to low heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Remove from the griddle and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, eggs, panko bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form Meatloaf Burger Patties with Bacon Surprise
- Divide the meatloaf mixture into equal portions to form patties. Each patty should be about 1/3 lb.
- Take one portion of the meat mixture, flatten it, and place a piece of crispy bacon in the center. Cover with another flattened portion of meat and seal the edges to form a stuffed patty. You can keep your bacon as strips, or crisp it up while cooking and crumble it for this step.
- If using cheese, you can add a slice of cheese on top of the bacon before sealing.
Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and set aside.
Prepare Sriracha Mayo
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Sriracha.
- Add the lime juice and soy sauce, mixing thoroughly to incorporate the flavors.
- Stir in the honey, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth.
- Adjust the Sriracha quantity to your desired level of spiciness.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Method: Blackstone Griddle
The Blackstone Griddle an even cooking surface that ensures consistent heat distribution, making it ideal for cooking meatloaf burgers evenly. Its flat, expansive surface allows for a perfect sear and caramelization, enhancing the flavor in a way that traditional grills cannot achieve. The griddle’s design also helps to retain juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful burger.
Cook the Meatloaf Burgers
- Preheat the Blackstone griddle to low-medium heat (around 350 degrees Fahrenheit) and make sure it’s ready before starting. I usually give my Blackstone a few minutes to get up to temp so I know my cooking surface is 100% ready to go.
- Place the meatloaf patties on the griddle and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring a nice sear on the outside while the inside reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Just before the burgers are fully cooked, brush the glaze over each patty and allow it to caramelize for the final minute of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Final Burger: Precision Assembly with Toppings
- Place your meatloaf burger patty onto the bottom half of the hamburger bun.
- Select your favorite toppings such as crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, onions, and pickles, and layer them on the patty.
- For a creamy texture and rich taste, add a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese.
Buns: Toasting
- Toast the hamburger buns on the Blackstone until golden brown. This step ensures a slight crunch and prevents the buns from becoming soggy when in contact with the juicy meatloaf burger.
Side Dishes: Recommended (Fries, Coleslaw, Grilled Vegetables)
Pair your meatloaf burger with classic side dishes to round out the meal. Consider the following options:
- Fries: Golden and crispy, seasoned according to preference. If your Blackstone has the air fryer option on it like mine does you can cook your fries using that and get rid of all that oil!
- Coleslaw: Creamy with a tangy dressing to complement the meaty flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled on the Blackstone for a smoky flavor.
Beverage Pairings: Craft Beer, Lemonade
Choose a beverage that matches the intensity of the meatloaf burger’s flavors. A robust craft beer can harmonize with the burger’s savoriness, while refreshing lemonade balances the meal’s richness.
