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
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating the ideal temperature for a perfectly cooked meatloaf.
- 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.
- 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.
- Strategically place cheese in the created cavity, ensuring it’s centered and will provide a delightful molten surprise when sliced.
- Gently layer the remaining meat mixture over the cheese, carefully sealing the edges to prevent any cheese from escaping during cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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