Meatloaf Burgers Recipe: Juicy Comfort-Food Burger Twist

This easy Blackstone Meatloaf Burger recipe uses simple ingredients and turns classic meatloaf into thick, flavorful patties cooked on a griddle. Sandwich a patty on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings for a restaurant-quality burger that the whole family will love.

What is a Meatloaf Burger?

A meatloaf burger is essentially a mini meatloaf formed into a thick patty and cooked on a griddle or in a cast-iron skillet instead of baked in a loaf pan. This variation keeps the classic meatloaf flavors—ketchup, Worcestershire, seasonings—combined into a juicy burger patty. Serve on a toasted bun topped with ketchup and your favorite burger fixings.

Why This Recipe Works

Cooking these patties on a hot griddle creates a crisp, caramelized exterior while the interior stays tender and flavorful like traditional meatloaf. The result is a hearty, juicy burger with the comfort of meatloaf but the convenience of a griddle-cooked sandwich.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef – 1 1/2 pounds (or substitute ground turkey or a mix)
• 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 – 4
• Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion – for serving

Scroll to the recipe card for the full, printable recipe and nutrition information.

How to Make Meatloaf Burgers on a Griddle

• Step 1 – Heat griddle: Preheat the griddle to medium-high, about 400°F (200°C).
• Step 2 – Combine mixture: In a large bowl combine ground beef, oats, eggs, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, 1/3 cup ketchup (reserve 2 tbsp), oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands and form into four even balls.

• Step 3 – Oil the griddle: Spread avocado oil on the griddle and place the meatballs on the hot surface.
• Step 4 – Form patties: Press the meatballs firmly to form thick patties—press enough to shape but don’t over-smash.
• Step 5 – Cook: Cook for 3–5 minutes on the first side, until a golden crust forms.

• Step 6 – Flip and finish: Flip the patties (do not press). Cook 3–4 more minutes until cooked through. Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of the reserved ketchup onto each patty during the last minute of cooking.
• Step 7 – Toast buns: Toast buns on the griddle for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
• Step 8 – Serve: Build burgers with lettuce, tomato and sliced red onion. Serve warm and enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Griddle temperature: Keep the griddle at medium to medium-high so patties cook evenly without burning. Target an internal temperature of 160°F for beef.
• Smash level: Press to form but avoid flattening completely—retain thickness for juicy centers.
• Add cheese: Add a slice of cheese during the last minute if desired.
• Make ahead: Form the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Minimal flipping: Flip only once to keep juices inside the patty.
• Use parchment: Rest cooked patties on parchment or a tray while toasting buns and assembling.

Meatloaf Burgers Topping Ideas

These topping options pair well with the rich meatloaf flavor. For a lower-carb option, skip the bun and serve on lettuce.

• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Sliced avocado
• Onions (raw or caramelized)
• Pickles
• Ketchup, mustard, mayo
• Mashed potatoes or gravy for an over-the-top meatloaf-style sandwich
• BBQ sauce

What to Serve with Burgers?

These patties pair well with classic burger sides and with traditional meatloaf accompaniments.

• French fries or griddle-cooked potatoes
• Grilled vegetables or asparagus
• Mashed potatoes (try them on the burger for a delicious meatloaf sandwich)
• Glazed carrots or roasted root vegetables
• A simple salad to balance the richness

Refrigerate leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on a griddle or in a skillet.

Yes. Use a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking times and steps as the griddle method.

Meatloaf Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 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
• 4 lettuce leaves, tomato and sliced red onion for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the griddle to medium-high (about 400°F).
2. In a large bowl combine beef, oats, eggs, diced onion, Worcestershire, 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 griddle and place the meatballs on the hot surface.
4. Press each ball into a thick patty—do not flatten completely.
5. Cook 3–5 minutes until a crust forms.
6. Flip patties and cook 3–4 more minutes until cooked through. Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon reserved ketchup on each patty during the last minute.
7. Toast buns on the griddle about 1 minute, assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato and onion. Serve warm.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on a griddle or in a skillet.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 694; Carbs 39 g; Protein 39 g; Fat 42 g; Saturated Fat 15 g; Sodium 1185 mg.