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Here is the second in our 12 part eating healthy on a budget series! Our guest blogger is once again Sarah who is a Mom of 5, 3 on the spectrum.

The Story Behind Making Our Meatloaf Burgers: 

No Leftovers, No Problem!

If you grew up in a big family like ours, you know one universal truth: leftovers are a rare and precious thing! One of my favorite comfort foods has always been a classic meatloaf sandwich—thick slices of cold meatloaf, a swipe of ketchup, and soft bread. But with a house full of hungry kids (and maybe a spouse who loves second helpings), there was never any meatloaf left for sandwiches the next day!

That’s how our Meatloaf Burgers with Sweet & Savory Glaze were born. We wanted all the hearty, nostalgic flavors of a meatloaf sandwich, but in a way that everyone could enjoy at dinnertime—no leftovers required. By shaping our favorite meatloaf mixture into burger patties, we get the best of both worlds:

• The cozy comfort of meatloaf
• The fun, handheld ease of burgers
• And plenty for everyone, even in a big family!

Summer bonus points for grilling them!! There’s nothing like that smoky flavor and those beautiful grill marks to make these burgers extra special for backyard dinners and family cookouts.

🍔 Meatloaf Burgers with Sweet & Savory Glaze

These juicy meatloaf-inspired burgers bring all the cozy comfort of a classic meatloaf into handheld form. Topped with a sticky sweet-and-savory glaze and served on soft buns, they’re perfect for a satisfying dinner—especially when paired with fresh fruit and crisp veggies.

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Ingredients

For the Patties

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 lbs ground pork
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or sub with rolled oats for a whole-grain option)
• 2 tsp Trader Joe’s Onion Salt (or 1 tsp onion powder + 1 tsp salt)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, grated
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or sub with nutritional yeast for dairy-free)

For the Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp brown sugar (or sub coconut sugar or honey)
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving

• Potato bread buns or brioche buns (or whole grain buns for a healthier twist)
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, or sautéed onions

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Instructions

1. Make the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion salt, eggs, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined—don’t overwork the meat or the patties may get dense.

2. Form the Burgers

Divide the mixture into 10–12 even portions and shape into thick burger patties. Place them on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes if you have time—this helps them hold their shape better during cooking.

3. Cook the Patties

• Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook patties for 6–8 minutes per side, until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Stovetop: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat with a bit of oil. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side.

4. Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until thick and glossy. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if desired.

Shortcut Option: Mix the glaze ingredients in a bowl and microwave in 20-second bursts until warmed and thickened.

5. Glaze & Assemble

In the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, brush each burger with the glaze. Toast your buns if desired, then layer each bottom bun with a glazed patty and any desired toppings. Spoon on extra glaze before closing the bun.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with fresh fruit (like grapes or strawberries), carrot sticks, or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the burgers.

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Healthy Alternatives & Tips

• Breadcrumbs → Use rolled oats or whole wheat breadcrumbs
• Parmesan → Sub with low-fat cheese or nutritional yeast
• Pork → Use ground turkey or chicken for leaner patties
• Buns → Opt for whole grain or lettuce wraps for low-carb
• Glaze → Use reduced-sugar ketchup or unsweetened tomato paste and sweeten naturally with honey or maple syrup

Why This Recipe Works for Families

• No More Fighting Over Leftovers: Everyone gets their own “slice” of meatloaf, fresh and hot.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze extra patties for quick dinners.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings just like a classic sandwich.
• Grill-Friendly: Fire up the grill for a summer twist that brings everyone outside.

Pro Tip for Big Families

If you do end up with leftovers (a rare event!), these meatloaf burgers are delicious cold the next day—just like those old-school sandwiches I loved as a kid.

For more family-tested, budget-friendly recipes, don’t forget to check out our other posts!

Here’s another recipe blog that we put out on Monday here: Healthy Family Recipes-on a budget!!

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