Savory Meatloaf Burgers with BBQ Sauce and Pepita Salad

Imagine the comforting flavors of meatloaf and the satisfying heft of a burger, all in one irresistible patty. That’s exactly what you get with these meatloaf burgers. Ground beef is mixed with panko, Parmesan and a special spice blend to create a tender, flavorful patty that’s pan-seared and then baked to perfection. Topped with a generous dollop of barbecue sauce and served on a toasted brioche bun, these burgers are a true crowd-pleaser.

On the side, a bright and crunchy pepita salad adds a fresh contrast. Mixed greens are tossed with lemon juice, olive oil and toasted pepitas for a simple yet satisfying accompaniment. Whether you’re a meatloaf fan, a burger lover or just looking for a new weeknight dinner idea, these meatloaf burgers are sure to become a favorite.

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Ingredients

10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Meatloaf Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon KetchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Brioche BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce PepitasView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon BBQ SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle. Wash and dry all produce. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, meatloaf spice blend and ketchup. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined, then shape into two patties about ¾-inch thick.
2. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the patties and cook until nicely browned on the bottom, 2-3 minutes. Flip the burgers, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the burgers reach your desired doneness, 6-8 minutes. (If your skillet is not ovenproof, transfer the burgers to a baking sheet before baking.)
3. While the burgers cook, prepare the onion and lemon. Trim the root and stem ends from the red onion and peel off the skin. Cut a thin slice from one side to create a flat surface, then place cut-side down and slice crosswise into thin rounds. Separate the rounds into rings. Cut the lemon into wedges.
4. Split the brioche buns in half crosswise. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden, 3-5 minutes.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the mixed greens, a squeeze or two of lemon juice, the pepitas and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to coat, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the burgers: Place the toasted bun bottoms on plates. Top each with a burger patty and spread 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce over each. Add a few onion rings and some of the dressed greens. Close with the bun tops. Serve the remaining salad on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but note that the cooking time may vary and the patties may be less juicy.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare the patties up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. Cook them just before serving for best results.

What can I use instead of pepitas?

Sunflower seeds or chopped almonds make a good substitute for pepitas in the salad.