There’s something about this burger that stops conversation at the table. Every time I serve it, my husband says the same thing — “I’m so lucky.” And honestly, he’s right. This isn’t your average backyard burger. It’s a smoky, juicy, flavor-packed twist inspired by classic meatloaf — the kind of recipe that turns simple ground beef into something memorable.
The secret lies in the mix itself. Instead of seasoning the beef plain, I combine it with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, a touch of BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and eggs — all the comforting, umami-rich ingredients that make a meatloaf irresistible. The addition of BBQ sauce directly in the mixture gives the burgers a deep, smoky flavor that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. You can literally smell that sweet, smoky aroma the moment they hit the grates.
To keep the texture tender and juicy, I use panko breadcrumbs and mix everything gently. Overworking the meat makes burgers tough, so this step really matters. Once shaped, the patties rest in the fridge for a few hours — this helps the flavors meld together and the burgers hold their shape when cooked.
When it’s time to grill, I keep the heat medium-low and flip often. The sugar content means they can burn quickly, but when cooked right, you’ll get that perfect char with a moist, smoky interior. A slice of smoked cheese on top takes it over the edge, melting into the burger while the smoky glaze bubbles underneath.
I usually serve them on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, and a little extra BBQ sauce. It’s simple but indulgent — the kind of burger that tastes like it came straight from a smokehouse.
If you’re looking for a burger that stands out from anything you’ve had before, this Food400 Meatloaf Burger is the one to make. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or those moments when you just want to impress someone you love with something smoky, saucy, and deeply satisfying.
The Juiciest Meatloaf Burger Ever — Smoky, Saucy, and Completely Addictive
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
2 eggs
2 TBSP ketchup
1.5 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
1 TBSP barbeque sauce
1/2 TBSP soy sauce
2 tsp brown sugar
1 1/4 tsp kosher salt (NOT fine, half as much if using fine)
1 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp garlic powder
pinch of cayenne, dried thyme, paprika or anything else you desire
heaping 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions
- Whisk eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire, barbeque, soy sauces, brown sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, any other spices of choice. Add breadcrumbs and whisk to combine.
- Crumble in the beef and combine gently, not overworking the mixture, or it will be tough. Yet you are still trying to gently incorporate all the ingredients well.
- Shape into 6-8 patties and place on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Grill until doneness and add cheese at the end. Grill over medium low heat flipping often - these burgers are prone to burning due to the sugar content. It should take you about 10-12 minutes of total grilling time. Serve on toasted buns with the toppings of choice. Enjoy!
