Meatloaf Burger

Return of the Meatloaf Burger

For a glorious stretch of time, the meatloaf burger held a proud place on the menu of a favorite local restaurant. It was juicy, savory, and just the right balance of comfort and creativity. Quickly, it became a go-to recommendation whenever we had guests in town for lunch. It never missed—hearty enough to satisfy, familiar enough to please everyone at the table.

Then, one day, it was gone.

Quietly replaced by some rotating “seasonal” special, the meatloaf burger vanished without warning, and worse—without a return. Like many dishes that fade into memory, it left behind a trail of disappointed regulars and one particularly determined cook.

Its sudden disappearance inspired me to bring it back—right in my own kitchen.

My Take on the Meatloaf Burger

At its core, a meatloaf burger is pure comfort food: a thick slice of well-seasoned meatloaf tucked between two pieces of your favorite bun. From there, the possibilities are endless.

Let’s start with the star—the meatloaf itself. Once it’s baked and sliced, you can pan-sear the slices for a crisp edge or toss them on the grill to pick up a bit of smoke and char. Either method works beautifully.

Then come the toppings. Traditional condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, or barbecue sauce all hold their own here—but if you’re feeling indulgent, a perfect remoulade takes it to the next level. Layer on sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, melted cheese (any kind you love), or go fresh with tomato, lettuce, and thinly sliced red onion. For an extra flourish, a handful of fried shallots gives it a gourmet crunch. And don’t underestimate the bun—it should be fresh, sturdy, and just the right amount of squishy.

This version has become my personal favorite. It’s a little more effort than your average sandwich, but then again—what in life that’s truly satisfying ever comes without a bit of work? Print