Cozy Hearty Cheesy Meatloaf Bake Recipe for Comfort Kings

Comfort food takes on a whole new level with this cheesy meatloaf bake that promises pure culinary delight.

Packed with robust flavors and oozing with melted cheese, this dish stands as a weeknight dinner champion.

Ground beef blends seamlessly with aromatic herbs and rich seasonings to create a mouthwatering main course.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance of meaty goodness and creamy cheese that melts beautifully throughout the dish.

The golden-brown top hints at the savory treasure waiting beneath its crisp exterior.

Families will gather around the table, eager to savor every delectable bite of this classic comfort meal.

Let’s dive into a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience.

Additions to Boost This Cheesy Meatloaf Dish

• Create a tight seal around the cheese layer to prevent melting out during baking, ensuring every slice has a gooey cheese center.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the meatloaf suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version without compromising flavor.
• Prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making dinner prep easier on busy nights.
• Add diced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for those who enjoy a kick of heat in their comfort food.

Serve With Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Veggies

• Family-Style Feast Pairing: Serve this hearty meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a classic, comforting meal that everyone will love.
• Cheesy Center Surprise: Slice the meatloaf carefully to reveal the melted cheese center, creating a delightful visual and flavor surprise for dinner guests.
• Leftover Lunch Hack: Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches by adding fresh lettuce, tomato, and a spread of mayo or mustard on crusty bread for a next-day treat.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Cook extra meatloaf to portion and freeze, providing quick and satisfying meals for busy weeknights when time is short.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for a Cheesy Meatloaf Bake

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and protein-packed foundation for the meatloaf. Choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal juiciness.
• Ground Pork: Adds moisture and depth to meat texture. Select fresh, well-marbled ground pork for best results.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates light, tender texture and helps hold ingredients together. Use plain or seasoned varieties.
• Eggs: Acts as natural binding agent, keeping meatloaf compact and moist.
• Milk: Softens meat mixture and adds subtle creaminess. Whole milk works best for richer consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, salty notes and helps enhance overall savory profile.

• Onion: Delivers sweet, subtle background complexity to meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent undertone that complements meaty flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that add Mediterranean-inspired depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying other ingredient flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes tangy, umami undertone to meat mixture.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, stretchy interior surprise.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, bold cheese flavor and golden color.

• Ketchup: Provides sweet-tangy base for meatloaf coating.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces caramelized sweetness and glossy finish.

Tools for a Cheesy and Comforting Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Loaf pan (9×5-inch): Crucial for shaping and baking the meatloaf perfectly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Needed for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: To dice onions and slice meatloaf after cooking.
• Small bowl: For mixing the delicious topping sauce.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures the meatloaf reaches safe internal temperature.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients gently.
• Parchment paper (optional): Helps with easy meatloaf removal from the pan.

How to Bake Meatloaf Packed With Flavor

Cheesy Meatloaf Magic

• Prep the Flavor Vessel

Grab a loaf pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil. This will help your meaty masterpiece slide out like a dream when it’s ready.

• Create the Meat Mixture

Dive into a big mixing bowl and combine ground beef with ground pork. Toss in diced onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix everything gently – don’t go wild or your meatloaf will get tough.

• Build the Cheesy Core

Layer half the meat mixture into the pan. Sprinkle a generous blanket of mozzarella and cheddar cheese right in the middle. Cover with remaining meat mixture, pressing down to create a hidden cheese treasure inside.

• Add the Tangy Glaze

Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread this zippy sauce across the top of your meatloaf, creating a glossy, mouthwatering finish.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a 375F oven. Bake for about an hour until the internal temperature hits 160F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep all those delicious juices locked in.

Save Meatloaf in a Way That Stays Moist

• Meatloaf Magic
• Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping flavors locked and texture perfect.
• Slice meatloaf into individual portions, place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm slices in microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in 350F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add splash of broth to prevent drying out, ensuring juicy bites.
• Transform cold meatloaf into delicious sandwiches. Slice thin, add fresh lettuce, mustard, or mayo between soft bread for quick meal transformation.

Hearty Cheesy Meatloaf Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty “ultimate cheesy meatloaf bake” delivers comfort with robust flavors and melted cheese goodness. Perfectly seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453.6 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (453.6 g) ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (118 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preparation Ritual: Position oven rack in center position and heat to 375F (190C). Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or parchment paper for seamless release.
2. Flavor Fusion: In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef, ground pork, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, whisked eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until ingredients are harmoniously integrated without overmixing.
3. Cheese Concealment: Gently layer half the meat mixture into prepared pan, strategically distribute mozzarella and cheddar cheese across the surface, then carefully cover with remaining meat mixture. Compress gently to encapsulate cheese completely.
4. Glaze Transformation: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard into a vibrant, glossy topping. Generously paint the meatloaf’s surface with this sweet-tangy mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Culinary Completion: Slide meatloaf into preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, confirming doneness when internal temperature reaches 160F (71C). Allow meatloaf to rest 10 minutes before slicing to preserve juiciness and structural integrity.

Notes

• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to prevent a tough, dense meatloaf texture. Handling the mixture too aggressively can compact the meat and create a less tender result.
• Layer cheese carefully in the center to create a molten, gooey surprise when slicing. Ensure cheese is evenly distributed to prevent clumping or uneven melting throughout the loaf.
• Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness, checking multiple spots to confirm 160F internal temperature. Overcooking can dry out the meatloaf, while undercooking poses food safety risks.
• Allow meatloaf to rest 10 minutes after baking, which helps juices redistribute and makes slicing cleaner. Cutting too quickly can cause moisture loss and crumbly sections.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg