Savory Cheddar Meatloaf Delight

Description

The “Savory Cheddar Meatloaf Delight” is a classic dish that not only fulfills the role of comfort food but also brings a rich blend of flavors to your dinner table. This recipe features a juicy, tender meatloaf enriched with cheddar cheese and topped with a tangy glaze, elevating the traditional meatloaf to an exquisite level. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this meatloaf promises to be a delightful centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 45 Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
• ⅔ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Step-by-step Directions

1. Prepare Ingredients and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Cook Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and optional green bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

3. Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, whisked eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients until well mixed.

4. Add Beef and Vegetable Mixture

Add the ground beef to your bowl containing the cracker mixture. Incorporate the cooled onion and bell pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well blended.

5. Shape and Bake the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

6. Prepare and Apply Glaze

While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, evenly spread the glaze over the top and continue baking for another 30 minutes or until the meatloaf is fully cooked.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meatloaf is moist and delicious when served.

Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is 60 minutes, totaling approximately 80 minutes from start to finish.

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled loaf in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Conclusion

The “Savory Cheddar Meatloaf Delight” is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings together the heartiness of meatloaf with the bold flavors of cheddar and a sweet, tangy glaze. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to satisfy any appetite. Its ease of preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all levels and a reliable go-to recipe for a fulfilling and tasty meal.

Savory Cheddar Meatloaf Delight

---

• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

The “Savory Cheddar Meatloaf Delight” is a classic dish that not only fulfills the role of comfort food but also brings a rich blend of flavors to your dinner table. This recipe features a juicy, tender meatloaf enriched with cheddar cheese and topped with a tangy glaze, elevating the traditional meatloaf to an exquisite level. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this meatloaf promises to be a delightful centerpiece.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 45 Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
• ⅔ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients and Preheat Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Vegetables Heat the olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and optional green bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
3. Mix Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, whisked eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients until well mixed.
4. Add Beef and Vegetable Mixture Add the ground beef to your bowl containing the cracker mixture. Incorporate the cooled onion and bell pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well blended.
5. Shape and Bake the Meatloaf Transfer the meat mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Prepare and Apply Glaze While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, evenly spread the glaze over the top and continue baking for another 30 minutes or until the meatloaf is fully cooked.
7. Rest and Serve Let the meatloaf cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meatloaf is moist and delicious when served.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes