This Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish! Juicy meat packed with delicious cheddar cheese makes every bite cheesy and satisfying.
Honestly, it’s like a surprise party for your taste buds! I love serving it with mashed potatoes. The cheesy center just makes everything better. Who wouldn’t want more cheese? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A mix of ground beef and pork adds rich flavor and moisture, but you can stick to all beef or try ground turkey for a lighter option. Just keep in mind turkey can be a bit dryer.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor that’s hard to resist. If you prefer milder cheese, try Monterey Jack or even a pepper jack for extra spice. You can also use vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs keep the meatloaf tender. If you don’t have any, crushed crackers or stale bread work well too. For gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats!
Onion & Garlic: These ingredients add depth of flavor. If you’re not a fan of bits of onion, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead—around 1 teaspoon of each should do it!
Why is Mixing Ground Meat Important?
Getting the meat mixture right is crucial for a great meatloaf. Overmixing can make it tough, so here’s a simple tip:
- Combine the ingredients gently—just until mixed. You want everything evenly combined without squishing it too much.
- Use your hands, but mix just until you don’t see dry bits of breadcrumbs or seasoning. The mixture should be wet but not overly sticky.
This gentle mixing ensures your meatloaf is moist and tender, not dense! Plus, sealing the cheese inside keeps it melty and gooey, which is just wonderful.
Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup ketchup (for topping)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or additional cheddar cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour of cooking time. After it’s done baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking tray or line it with foil, then place a wire rack on top to help the meatloaf cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and thyme. Mix gently with your hands until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat; you want it to stay tender!
3. Form the Meatloaf:
Divide the meat mixture in half. On a clean surface or a piece of parchment paper, shape one half into a loaf (about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide). This is where the magic happens!
4. Add the Cheddar Filling:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the shaped loaf. This will create a cheesy surprise inside that everyone will love!
5. Seal the Meatloaf:
Carefully cover the cheese layer with the remaining half of the meat mixture, sealing the edges well to encase the cheddar fully inside. Now it’s ready for the oven!
6. Transfer to Baking Tray:
Move the stuffed meatloaf onto the prepared wire rack set over the baking tray. This will help the fat drip off as it cooks.
7. Add the Ketchup Topping:
Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This gives it a nice glaze and extra flavor!
8. Bake the Meatloaf:
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. It should smell fantastic by now!
9. Add More Cheese:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or additional cheddar cheese on top. Don’t worry; we aren’t done yet!
10. Final Bake:
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake it for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
11. Rest and Slice:
When it’s done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together better when served.
12. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving up your cheesy, juicy cheddar-stuffed meatloaf. Enjoy it with all your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies!
Dig in and savor every bite of this delightful dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that it may result in a slightly drier meatloaf, so adding a bit more milk or using a mix of dark and white meat turkey can help maintain moisture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always let the meatloaf cool to room temperature before sealing it. You can reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use oats if they are certified gluten-free!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Meatloaf?
Definitely! Adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach will enhance flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them first to reduce moisture and avoid making the meatloaf too wet.