Cheesy Beef Meatloaf
A comforting and flavorful Cheesy Beef Meatloaf featuring tender ground beef stuffed with a melty blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, topped with a tangy tomato glaze. This hearty, family-friendly dish offers classic meatloaf goodness with a gooey cheesy twist, perfect for any occasion and easy to customize to your taste.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20-30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or parsley)
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Set aside this cheesy blend that will serve as the melty center of your meatloaf.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried herbs until evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: On a parchment-lined baking tray or meatloaf pan, spread half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Evenly spread the prepared cheese mixture on top, then cover with the remaining meat mixture. Press the edges firmly to fully encase the cheese inside.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine ketchup and tomato paste. Spread this tangy glaze evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf for a sticky, flavorful finish.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatloaf for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and ensures clean slices revealing the gooey cheese center.
Notes
- Keep the cheese fully enclosed in the meat to prevent leaks during baking.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to maintain tenderness.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add extra flavor if available.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness without drying out the meatloaf.
- Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps keep it moist and flavorful.
- For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.
- Customize cheese types or add spices like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, ground beef recipe, family dinner, comfort food, baked meatloaf, gluten free meatloaf