Savory Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe: A Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheese stuffed meatloaf that promises a delightful surprise in every slice.

Melted cheese oozes through tender, seasoned meat, creating a mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

The robust blend of ground beef and carefully selected spices ensures each bite packs incredible flavor.

Hearty and satisfying, this meatloaf brings warmth to the dinner table with its rich, savory profile.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly juicy, the recipe combines classic ingredients with a cheesy twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Simple to prepare and impossible to resist, this meatloaf turns an everyday meal into a memorable culinary adventure.

Get ready to savor a dish that’s sure to become a new dinnertime favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 7

Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Grocery Essentials

• Ground Beef: Blend of lean and fatty cuts ensures juicy, rich flavor with perfect texture.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Creates structure and helps hold moisture in the meatloaf.
• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and adds tenderness to the meat mixture.
• Eggs: Natural binder that helps ingredients stick together smoothly.

• Onion: Provides sweet undertone and subtle crunch.
• Garlic: Intensifies savory depth with its bold, warming essence.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, clean flavor and vibrant green color.
• Dried Oregano: Adds earthy Mediterranean undertone and aromatic complexity.

• Salt: Amplifies overall taste and balances other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers rich, tangy core that melts into creamy pockets.

• Ketchup: Provides sweet-tangy base for coating.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and glossy finish.
• Yellow Mustard: Introduces zesty, sharp counterpoint to sweet elements.

Kitchen Tools to Make Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all meat and seasoning ingredients thoroughly.
• Loaf pan: Provides the perfect shape and helps meatloaf hold its form during baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent flavor.
• Whisk or fork: Great for mixing glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise slicing after meatloaf has rested.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation and final slicing.
• Spatula or spoon: Helps spread glaze evenly over meatloaf surface.

Instructions for Preparing Stuffed Meatloaf with Cheese

• Meat Mixture Preparation

Grab ground beef and mix with soft breadcrumbs, creating a loose yet cohesive blend. Add fragrant herbs and gentle seasonings to enhance the meat’s natural richness.

• Cheese Pocket Creation

Carefully spread half the meat mixture into a baking dish, forming a welcoming bed for creamy cheese. Nestle a generous layer of melty cheese right in the center, leaving a small border around the edges.

• Sealing the Treasure

Gently cover the cheese with remaining meat mixture, pressing edges to create a secure seal. This ensures the cheese stays hidden until that magical first slice.

• Flavor Enhancement

Whip together a tangy glaze combining sweet and zesty ingredients. Lovingly brush the glaze across the meatloaf’s surface, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior that promises incredible flavor.

• Oven Magic

Slide the meatloaf into a preheated oven, allowing it to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece. Bake until the meat is perfectly cooked and the top shimmers with a rich, appetizing color.

• Resting and Serving

Let the meatloaf rest briefly after cooking, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice carefully to reveal the molten cheese center, serving alongside comfort foods like creamy potatoes or fresh vegetables.

Filling Variations for Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

• Cheese-Saving Technique: Use cold cheese cubes to prevent melting too quickly during mixing, ensuring a perfect cheese center when slicing.
• Meat Mixture Magic: Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the texture light and tender. Gently fold ingredients like you're handling delicate pastry.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for unique taste profiles. Each cheese brings its own personality to the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the meatloaf a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to deepen. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Lean Meat Alternative: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add an extra egg to help bind the leaner meat and maintain juiciness.

Serving Suggestions for Cheese Filled Meatloaf

• Cheesy Comfort Companion: Pair this meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes that catch all those delicious cheese drippings, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
• Crisp Garden Fresh: Serve alongside a bright, tangy green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the meat and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Weekend Family Feast: Present this meatloaf as a centerpiece for family dinner, encouraging everyone to marvel at the surprise cheese center when slicing into the dish, making mealtime an interactive and exciting experience.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Transform remaining slices into delectable sandwiches the next day, adding a slice of fresh tomato and a smear of mustard between crusty bread for a quick and satisfying lunch option.

Storing and Reheating Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

• Smart Fridge Storage: Wrap leftover meatloaf slices in aluminum foil or store in airtight containers. These methods keep the meat juicy and prevent unwanted flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cut meatloaf into individual portions before freezing. Place wrapped slices in freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatloaf stays delicious for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Magic: Restore moisture by warming slices in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating maintains better texture and flavor.
• Meal Prep Genius: Prepare two meatloaves simultaneously – one for immediate eating and another for future meals. This smart approach saves time and provides quick dinner options during busy weeks. Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain optimal food safety and taste quality.

Irresistible Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Savory cheese stuffed meatloaf delivers comfort on a plate with rich, melted cheese nestled inside juicy ground beef. Home cooks can create this classic dinner that connects families around warm, satisfying meals you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
• 8 oz (227 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into sticks or shredded
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Elevate the oven temperature to 350°F, setting the stage for a perfectly crafted meatloaf.
2. Mixing: In a generously sized bowl, gently merge ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper, ensuring a delicate and uniform consistency.
3. Layering: Lubricate a loaf pan and methodically spread half the meat mixture, sculpting a subtle depression in the center while maintaining a slim perimeter.
4. Cheese Infusion: Nestle cheese into the carved cavity, positioning it centrally to guarantee a sumptuous molten core when sliced.
5. Sealing: Delicately drape the remaining meat mixture over the cheese, meticulously crimping the edges to prevent any cheesy escapades during cooking.
6. Glazing: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard into a vibrant coating, lavishly brushing the meatloaf’s surface to create a glossy, caramelized finish.
7. Baking: Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven, allowing it to roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
8. Resting and Serving: Extract from the oven and permit a 10-minute respite to redistribute internal juices, then slice to reveal the molten cheese center, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad for a truly spectacular dining experience.

Notes

• Meat Mixing Technique: Handle ground beef gently to keep the texture light and prevent tough, dense meatloaf.
• Cheese Placement Strategy: Create a centered cavity for cheese to ensure each slice gets a perfect cheesy surprise.
• Glaze Application Tip: Brush glaze evenly for a caramelized, glossy exterior that adds depth of flavor and visual appeal.
• Resting Period Importance: Allow meatloaf to rest 10 minutes after baking to redistribute juices, guaranteeing a moist and tender final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg