The ultimate comfort food mashup: meatloaf burgers! All the savory, nostalgic goodness of classic meatloaf is packed into a juicy grilled patty with a rich ketchup glaze, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings. It is family-dinner comfort that lands at just 4.9 g net carbs per burger (without the bun).
The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup: Meatloaf Burgers!
What happens when you take two of the world’s greatest comfort foods and combine them? You get these unbelievably juicy and flavorful Meatloaf Burgers! I’ve packed all the savory, nostalgic goodness of my favorite childhood meatloaf—the rich ketchup glaze, the savory onion and garlic—into a perfectly grilled burger patty. Forget any memories you have of dry, disappointing meatloaf from the past. This recipe is a game-changer, delivering a tender, mouthwatering burger that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a fun, modern twist on a classic that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
• MAKES: 4 burgers · PREP TIME: 20 minutes · COOK TIME: 10 minutes
• 1 pound / 450g (15.9 oz) ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons / 30ml (1 fl oz) reduced-sugar ketchup
• 2 tablespoons / 15g (0.53 oz) dried minced onion
• 2 tablespoons / 30ml (1 fl oz) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon / 3g (0.11 oz) sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon / 1.5g (0.05 oz) ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons / 30ml (1 fl oz) avocado oil or olive oil
• For Serving
• 4 Everything Buns, or your favorite burger buns
• Your favorite low-carb condiments
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 large leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce
• Pickle spears (optional)
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, egg, ketchup, dried onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about ¾-inch thick.
4. Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.
5. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for a medium burger, or until a beautiful brown crust forms and they are cooked to your desired doneness.
6. Assemble your burgers. Place each cooked patty on a bun and layer with your favorite condiments, two slices of crispy bacon, a slice of tomato, red onion, and a lettuce leaf. Serve immediately with pickle spears on the side, if desired.
Nutritional Information
• PER SERVING (without bun)
• CALORIES: 561
• FAT: 46g
• PROTEIN: 29.9g
• TOTAL CARBS: 5.7g (0.2 oz)
• FIBER: 0.7g
• NET CARBS: 4.9g (0.17 oz)
• PER SERVING (with Everything Bun)
• CALORIES: 803
• FAT: 63.7g
• PROTEIN: 43.5g
• TOTAL CARBS: 24.6g (0.87 oz)
• FIBER: 14.5g
• NET CARBS: 10.1g (0.36 oz)
Pro Tips
• To avoid a tough burger, mix the meat and other until just combined. Overworking the ground beef can result in a dense, dry patty.
• Ensure your skillet is properly preheated before adding the patties. A hot pan is the secret to getting that irresistible, flavorful crust on the outside of the burger.
• Don’t be afraid to swap the protein! Ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork make delicious alternatives to beef in this recipe.
• For an extra layer of flavor, mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the meat mixture.
FAQ
Q: How do I keep my meatloaf burgers from getting dry
A: To avoid a tough or dry burger, mix the ground beef and other ingredients with your hands until they are just combined. Overworking the meat can result in a dense, dry patty.
Q: Can I use a different meat besides ground beef
A: Yes, this recipe is versatile. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or ground pork for a delicious alternative.
Q: What is the secret to getting a good crust on the burger
A: The key to getting an irresistible, flavorful crust is to ensure your skillet is properly preheated before you add the patties. A hot pan is essential for a great sear.
Q: Why should I press a dimple into the burger patty
A: Pressing a shallow dimple into the center of each patty helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle while on the skillet.
Pro Tips
- Mix the meatloaf mixture only until just combined — overworking the ground beef is what turns a juicy burger dense and dry.
- Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb so the burgers cook flat instead of puffing up in the middle.
- Make sure the skillet is properly preheated before the patties go in; a hot pan is what builds that irresistible brown crust.
- Ground turkey, chicken, or ground pork all make delicious stand-ins for the beef if you want to change up the protein.
- For an extra layer of flavor, mix a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the meat mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatloaf burger patties ahead of time?
Yes, shape the patties and refrigerate them up to a day ahead with a piece of parchment between each. Press the dimple in just before cooking.
Can I freeze these burgers?
Freeze the shaped patties on a sheet pan, then bag them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before searing for the best crust.
Are meatloaf burgers keto-friendly?
Without the bun each burger has 5.7 g total carbs and 0.7 g fiber — 4.9 g net carbs — with 29.9 g protein and 46 g fat. An Everything Bun adds roughly 5 g net carbs more.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
The egg and the gentle mixing are the binders here. Mix just until combined, handle the patties loosely, and let them sear undisturbed before flipping.
Recipe card below.
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The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup: Meatloaf Burgers!
Ingredients
Method
- Directions
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, egg, ketchup, dried onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix with your hands until just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about ¾-inch thick.
- Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties in the skillet.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for a medium burger, or until a beautiful brown crust forms and they are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Assemble your burgers.
- Place each cooked patty on a bun and layer with your favorite condiments, two slices of crispy bacon, a slice of tomato, red onion, and a lettuce leaf.
- Serve immediately with pickle spears on the side, if desired.
