When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the homely, satisfying embrace of a well-made meatloaf. It’s a staple that has graced dinner tables for decades, known for its hearty and filling nature. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful twist on this classic dish: Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf. This recipe infuses a gooey, cheesy surprise into the center of a perfectly seasoned meatloaf, elevating the traditional flavors to new heights.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs, a mix of lean and a bit of fat for flavor
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup, for binding and texture
- Milk: 1/4 cup, adds moisture
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for that aromatic kick
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for freshness
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon, adds depth
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 8 ounces, cut into sticks or shredded, the star of the show
- Ketchup, Brown Sugar, & Yellow Mustard: For a tangy glaze that brings everything together
Directions:
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the oven is ready to go once your meatloaf is assembled.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. The secret here is to mix gently to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Layering: Lay half of the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan. Create a nest for the cheese by leaving a border around the edges. Add your cheese to the center, ensuring it’s snug.
- Cover: Top with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the cheese within. Make sure to press the edges to close any gaps.
- Glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make your glaze. Pour this over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly for a glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully browned exterior and a no-longer-pink center. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This rest time is crucial for moisture retention.
Serving:
Slice up this marvelous meatloaf and watch as the cheese oozes out, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. It’s perfect served alongside mashed potatoes and a simple green salad, making for a meal that’s both comforting and impressively full-flavored.
Nutritional Information:
For those curious, this cheese-stuffed delight offers approximately 350 kcal per serving, with the recipe yielding about 8 servings. It’s a fulfilling dish that doesn’t overdo it on the calories, making it a fantastic option for a family dinner.
Final Thoughts:
This Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf recipe is a wonderful way to add a surprise twist to an already beloved dish. The melted cheese core takes it from familiar to extraordinary, ensuring it’s a hit with both adults and children alike. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf promises warmth, satisfaction, and a hint of culinary adventure on your dining table.
Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic meatloaf, but when it’s stuffed with gooey cheese, it takes the coziness to a whole new level. This Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is a nod to Midwestern comfort food, with a hearty blend of seasoned ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to your table. Serve it with some mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete, soul-warming meal.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef, a mix of lean and a bit of fat for flavor
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, cut into sticks or shredded
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently combine these with your hands.
Lay half of the meat mixture in a line down the center of a greased loaf pan.
Nestle the cheese snugly in the center, leaving a meaty border all around.
Cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture, pressing the edges to seal the cheese.
Stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make a tangy glaze and pour this over the meatloaf, spreading it around evenly.
Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is no longer pink in the center. Let it sit and rest for 10 minutes.
Slice and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350