Juicy Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe: Family Dinner Magic

Cheese stuffed meatloaf revamps an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure that promises pure comfort.

Rich, hearty proteins intertwine with melted dairy goodness for a supremely satisfying meal.

Home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing centerpiece will adore this elevated classic that elevates traditional expectations.

Tender meat embraces molten cheese centers, creating unexpected pockets of deliciousness in every slice.

Robust seasonings complement the luxurious filling, ensuring each bite delivers maximum flavor complexity.

The perfect balance between familiar and innovative makes this dish irresistible for families and food enthusiasts alike.

Warmth, nostalgia, and excitement converge in this reimagined favorite that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Top Reasons to Enjoy Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

• Cheesy Surprise Inside: The hidden cheese center creates an exciting moment when you slice into the meatloaf, releasing a gooey, melted cheese stream that transforms an ordinary dish into a spectacular meal.
• Effortless Comfort Cooking: This recipe offers foolproof preparation with simple mixing techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious dinner without complicated steps.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with familiar ingredients like herbs, garlic, and a sweet-tangy glaze, this meatloaf appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied and asking for seconds.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this dish requires minimal prep time and uses basic pantry staples, allowing busy families to enjoy a hearty, restaurant-quality meal in just over an hour.

Ingredients Needed for Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A flavorful blend with perfect fat content for juicy meatloaf, choose 80/20 lean to fat ratio for best results.

• Seasoned Breadcrumbs, Milk, Eggs: Crucial mix for holding meatloaf together and creating tender texture, breadcrumbs prevent dryness and help maintain structure.

• Onion, Garlic, Fresh Parsley, Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic aromatics that provide depth and brightness, fresh herbs offer more vibrant flavor profile, use kosher salt for better seasoning.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melty core that creates delicious surprise inside meatloaf, choose high-quality cheese for maximum flavor impact.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Yellow Mustard: Sweet and tangy combination that caramelizes beautifully on top, adds beautiful color and complex flavor to finished dish.

Instructions for Cooking Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set the oven to 350°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for your flavor-packed meatloaf.

Step 2: Prepare Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Eggs
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients with a light touch to maintain the meat’s tenderness.

Step 3: Create Cheese Channel

Grease a loaf pan and spread half the meat mixture, crafting a gentle valley for the cheese. Leave a small border around the edges to seal in the cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Stuff With Cheese

Carefully place cheese in the center of the meat channel, ensuring it’s nestled securely and covered completely by the remaining meat mixture.

Step 5: Seal The Meatloaf

Cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture, pressing edges firmly to create a complete seal. Smooth the top for an even bake.

Step 6: Craft Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Generously spread the glaze over the entire meatloaf surface, creating a glossy, caramelized coating.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Look for a deep golden-brown exterior and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.

Serving Suggestion

Slice the meatloaf to reveal a stunning cheese center. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for a Juicy Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

• Choose Prime Meat: Select high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Handle Gently: Mix ingredients delicately to prevent tough, dense meatloaf texture by avoiding overmixing.
• Cheese Placement: Center cheese carefully to prevent leaking and ensure even distribution throughout the loaf.
• Seal Edges Tight: Press meat mixture edges firmly to prevent cheese from escaping during baking.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow meatloaf to sit 10 minutes after baking to help retain moisture and make slicing easier.

Best Storage and Reheating for Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen meatloaf stays delicious for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even heating.

Side Options to Pair with Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

• Boost Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich meaty flavors and cuts through the cheese's creaminess.
• Create Veggie Harmony: Roast some garlic-seasoned asparagus or Brussels sprouts as a side dish to add a crisp, green contrast against the hearty meatloaf's warmth.
• Craft Potato Perfection: Prepare creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic or chives to enhance the meatloaf's savory profile and provide a smooth, comforting texture.
• Elevate Beer Selection: Choose a robust amber ale or dark lager that matches the meatloaf's depth, with enough maltiness to stand up to the cheese and meat's intense flavors.

Tasty Ways to Customize Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

• Mediterranean Meatloaf Marvel: Replace traditional cheese with crumbled feta, add chopped kalamata olives, and incorporate dried oregano for a Greek-inspired profile. Swap ketchup glaze with a tangy tzatziki drizzle.
• Spicy Southwestern Sensation: Mix in diced jalapeños, replace parsley with cilantro, and stuff with pepper jack cheese. Top with a zesty chipotle and honey glaze that brings bold southwestern flair.
• Mushroom Swiss Classic: Sauté cremini mushrooms and fold them into the meat mixture. Use Swiss cheese as the center filling and add a touch of Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami flavor. Finish with a red wine reduction glaze.
• Bacon Cheddar Explosion: Crisp bacon pieces mixed directly into the meat, sharp cheddar cheese center, and a bacon-infused glaze that elevates this comfort food to next-level indulgence.

Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty cheese stuffed meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables with a molten cheese center that surprises and delights. Savory ground beef wrapped around gooey melted cheese creates a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 8 ounces (227 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into sticks or shredded

Dry Ingredients and Herbs:

• ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Wet Ingredients and Aromatics:

• ¼ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating the ideal temperature for a perfectly cooked meatloaf.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, delicately blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use a light touch to maintain the meat’s tenderness.
3. Grease a loaf pan and carefully distribute half the meat mixture, creating a shallow well in the center while leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Strategically place cheese in the created cavity, ensuring it’s centered and will provide a delightful molten surprise when sliced.
5. Gently layer the remaining meat mixture over the cheese, carefully sealing the edges to prevent any cheese from escaping during cooking.
6. Craft a vibrant glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Generously coat the meatloaf’s surface, spreading evenly to create a glossy, caramelized exterior.
7. Transfer the prepared meatloaf to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The goal is a rich, golden-brown crust and completely cooked interior.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes. This critical waiting period helps redistribute juices and ensures a moist, tender result.
9. Slice and serve the meatloaf, revealing the molten cheese center. Accompany with creamy mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal that promises to delight family and guests alike.

Notes

• Resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes helps seal in juices, preventing dryness and ensuring each slice remains moist and tender.
• Cheese placement matters: create a secure central channel within the meat mixture to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting quality and a more authentic, rich flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg