If you love meatloaf but don’t want to take the time to make an entire loaf, then these meatloaf burgers are the perfect answer! These meatloaf patties taste just like the classic comfort food, but they’re ready to eat in way less time. Serve them on a bun for the ultimate take on meatloaf sandwiches!
What Are Meatloaf Burgers?
Meatloaf burgers are a delicious mash-up of classic meatloaf and a burger, combining the juicy, well-seasoned texture of meatloaf with the handheld convenience of a burger!
Instead of a traditional beef patty, these burgers are made with a meatloaf-style mixture, including ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onions, and seasonings.
The mixture is then shaped into patties and cooked on a grill, skillet, baked, or in my case, air fried! This results in a tender, flavorful burger with a slightly softer texture than a regular beef patty.
Meatloaf burgers can be topped with ketchup or barbecue sauce (like a classic meatloaf glaze) and served on a bun with toppings like cheese, caramelized onions, or pickles – whatever you like! They’re a delicious meal, and a great weeknight alternative to traditional meatloaf.
Katie’s tip
For another quick and easy option, make sure to check out my Air Fryer Frozen Hamburgers recipe too!
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb 85% lean ground beef (or similar)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use a different type of ground beef (80% or 85% is usually best for texture, but you can use a higher number – I did 93% since that’s what my store had this week) or substitute ground turkey instead!
- Instead of Italian bread crumbs, you can also substitute quick oats, cracker crumbs, or cooked quinoa if preferred
- Feel free to add some ketchup or mustard to your BBQ sauce for the topping, or to substitute a different topping (like ketchup, gravy, or a tomato sauce). If you don’t use a sweet BBQ sauce, you may want to add a little brown sugar as well
- Don’t forget the toppings! Meatloaf burgers can be served solo with sides, but they’re also perfect on a burger bun with traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or cheese (like cheddar)!
Step By Step Instructions (Air Fryer)
- In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients except for the BBQ sauce until just combined (don’t overmix). Then, form into 4 equally sized patties about 1” thick
- Place in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space in between each one. Feel free to use perforated parchment or foil for easier cleanup
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has, 360°F-380°F generally works fine) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the patties reach at least 160°F in the center
- Brush the tops with the BBQ sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, to warm and brown the sauce
- Rest for 5-10 minutes, then serve with your favorite sides, or atop a burger bun with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Alternate Cooking Methods
No air fryer? No problem! Here are other ways to cook meatloaf burgers:
- Oven: Bake on a parchment (or wire rack) lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, or until they reach 160°F internally. Add the BBQ and broil for a few minutes to brown
- Grill: Preheat your grill for medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 10-15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, or until they reach 160°F. Add the BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking. These meatloaf patties are softer than a traditional burger, so if you have a grill mat or cast iron pan, I recommend it to help them keep their shape better
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet (cast iron is great if you have one) with a little oil over medium heat. Add the patties, and cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until they reach 160°F. Add the BBQ sauce after you flip the patties
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes
- Crispy French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – A classic pairing that complements the savory, juicy burger
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – A nod to traditional meatloaf dinners, perfect for a comfort-food experience!
- Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch and tangy contrast to the rich burger
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brings a smoky sweetness that pairs well with the flavors of meatloaf. Try my Air Fryer Frozen Corn on the Cob for a quick preparation!
- Mac and Cheese – Creamy and cheesy, it’s a satisfying, indulgent side
- Side Salad with Balsamic Dressing – A lighter option to balance the richness of the burger
Drink Pairings
- Classic Milkshake (Vanilla or Chocolate) – A diner-style combo that works perfectly!
- Iced Tea or Lemonade – Refreshing options to cut through the burger’s richness. Try my Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade for a boozy twist!
- Red Wine (Zinfandel or Merlot) – A bold, fruity wine that complements the beefy flavors
- Craft Beer (Brown Ale or Stout) – Malty, rich beers pair well with the caramelized notes in the meat
Topping Options
- Cheddar, Swiss, or Pepper Jack Cheese – Melty cheese adds creaminess and a savory punch
- Crispy Bacon – Adds crunch and smoky flavor!
- Caramelized Onions – Sweet, soft onions balance the meat’s richness. My Air Fryer Caramelized Onions are a perfect option!
- Lettuce & Tomato – A fresh, crisp contrast to the hearty burger
- Fried Egg – A runny yolk adds extra richness and depth
- Sautéed Mushrooms – Earthy and umami-packed, perfect with beef
Condiments
- Pickled Jalapeños – Brings heat and a tangy kick!
- Coleslaw or Kimchi – A crunchy, tangy contrast that enhances the flavor
- Ketchup or BBQ Sauce – Classic options that complement the meatloaf-style flavors
- Garlic Aioli – A creamy, garlicky spread for extra depth
- Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy, great for balancing flavors
- Spicy Sriracha or Hot Honey Mayo – Adds a bit of heat for a bold kick!
Recipe FAQs
Is Meatloaf Mix Good for Hamburgers?
Yes, meatloaf mix can be used for hamburgers, but it results in a softer, more tender patty compared to a traditional hamburger.
Meatloaf mix typically includes ground beef (though you can also add pork or veal), along with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, which give it a more delicate texture.
What Is a Meatloaf Patty?
A meatloaf patty is simply a flattened version of meatloaf, shaped into a round or oval patty instead of a loaf. It contains the same ingredients as traditional meatloaf, but is portioned individually and cooked faster than a whole meatloaf.
Meatloaf patties can be pan-fried, air fried, baked, or grilled, making them a great alternative for a quicker, single-serving option!
What Grade of Beef Is Best for Meatloaf?
For meatloaf, the best beef is around 80/20 ground beef, meaning it has 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This fat ratio ensures the meatloaf stays moist and flavorful while still holding its shape.
Leaner beef (like 90/10) can result in a drier, less juicy texture, while fattier beef (like 70/30) may be too greasy.
Recipe Tips For the Best Meatloaf Burgers
- You can prepare the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator with parchment or wax paper between each patty to prevent sticking. Let them sit 10-15 minutes at room temperature before cooking for best results
- This recipe can easily be halved for two people, or doubled for a crowd or larger family. See note above about preparing in advance!
- I made this recipe in my Ninja air fryer without preheating and 10 minutes was perfect. Time may vary between different air fryers and based on specific patty size, so adjust as needed for your particular unit
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer term storage, cool and wrap individually, then add to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months
- To reheat meatloaf patties, air fry for about 5 minutes at 350°F, bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for about 1 minute (but this tends to dry the burger out). In all cases, flip halfway through for best results
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
Final Thoughts
These meatloaf burgers are such a fun take on classic meatloaf, in a handheld form that cooks so much quicker!
The air fryer is my favorite method, since it builds a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. However, there are many other great ways to cook your meatloaf patties, too!
Serve them along with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes and green beans, or add the burgers to buns with your favorite toppings and a side of chips or fries!
For more great options, make sure to check out all of my tasty Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipes for inspiration!
Meatloaf Burgers (Air Fryer, Oven, or Stove)
Ingredients
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef (or similar)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients except for the BBQ sauce until just combined (don’t overmix). Then, form into 4 equally sized patties about 1” thick1 pound 85% lean ground beef, 1 large egg, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ¼ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 Tbsp ketchup
- Place in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space in between each one. Feel free to use perforated parchment or foil for easier cleanup
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has, 360°F-380°F generally works fine) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the patties reach at least 160°F in the center
- Brush the tops with the BBQ sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, to warm and brown the sauce¼ cup BBQ sauce
- Rest for 5-10 minutes, then serve with your favorite sides, or atop a burger bun with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Bake on a parchment (or wire rack) lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, or until they reach 160°F internally. Add the BBQ and broil for a few minutes to brown
Stovetop Option
- Heat a heavy skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Add the patties, and cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until they reach 160°F. Add the BBQ sauce after you flip the patties
Notes
- You can use a different type of ground beef (80% or 85% is usually best for texture, but you can use a higher number depending on preference/what the store has) or substitute ground turkey instead!
- Instead of Italian bread crumbs, you can also substitute quick oats, cracker crumbs, or cooked quinoa if preferred
- Feel free to add some ketchup or mustard to your BBQ sauce for the topping, or to substitute a different topping (like ketchup, gravy, or a tomato sauce). If you don’t use a sweet BBQ sauce, you may want to add a little brown sugar as well
- You can add diced onion, peppers, or other vegetables to the mix if you like – this recipe is easily customizable
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, variety, and flavor of ingredients, any sauces, toppings, or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
