Cheesy meatloaf is a savory and comforting dish that combines the best of classic meatloaf with a gooey, cheesy surprise inside.
The melting cheese adds richness and moisture, ensuring every slice is deliciously tender and packed with flavor.
Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, cheesy meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is a go-to for those seeking a satisfying, cheesy, and hearty meal.
Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds of ground beef
1 cup of breadcrumbs
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
1 tablespoon mustard
1 cup mashed potatoes (optional for serving)
Additional shredded cheese for topping.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard.
Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
Form the loaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased or foil-lined baking dish.
Top with ketchup: Spread an even layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Add cheese topping: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the additional shredded cheese on top of the meatloaf.
Let it melt and become bubbly.
Serve: Once done, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve it over mashed potatoes if desired for an even heartier meal.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Meatloaf
Use Lean Meat for a Healthier Option
While beef provides great flavor, using lean ground beef or a combination of ground turkey and beef can reduce the fat content of the meatloaf without sacrificing taste.
Make sure to drain any excess fat after baking if needed.
Don’t Overmix the Meat
When mixing the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing the meat can result in a dense and tough meatloaf.
Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a tender texture.
Moisture is Key
To prevent the meatloaf from being dry, be sure to use enough moisture in the mixture, such as milk and egg.
If you’re using lean meat, you may want to add a little more milk or even some grated vegetables to retain moisture during cooking.
How to Store Cheesy Meatloaf
Refrigeration
If you have leftover meatloaf, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator.
Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It can last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing
For longer storage, cheesy meatloaf can be frozen.
After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.