Description
Meatloaf mavens will discover this cheddar meatloaf delight combining hearty ground beef with sharp cheese and classic seasonings. Rich flavors and simple preparation make this classic American comfort dish a reliable dinner solution for hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef, 80% lean
- 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 eggs, large, whisked
- 45 Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) ketchup
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25 g) ground black pepper
- 2 tbsps (30 g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, applying a delicate grease layer to prevent sticking.
- Flavor Foundation: Gently sauté onions and green bell peppers in olive oil until translucent, then allow to cool completely. These aromatic vegetables will infuse depth into the meatloaf’s profile.
- Mixture Melding: In a generous mixing bowl, harmonize crushed Ritz crackers, whisked eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Blend ingredients until they dance together seamlessly.
- Meat Transformation: Incorporate ground beef into the cracker mixture, gently folding in the cooled vegetables. Massage the components with fingertips, ensuring a uniform distribution that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
- Sculpting and Initial Roasting: Craft the meat mixture into a perfectly shaped loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Slide into the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and meld.
- Glaze Creation and Finishing: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard into a vibrant, glossy coating. Brush generously over the partially cooked meatloaf, creating a caramelized exterior that promises tantalizing taste and visual appeal.
- Final Cooking and Resting: Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until the internal temperature conquers 160°F. Once removed from the oven, allow the meatloaf to rest 10-15 minutes, letting juices redistribute and ensuring a supremely moist and tender result ready to be sliced and savored.
Notes
- Prevent Meat Compression: Gently mix ingredients without overworking the ground beef to maintain a tender, light meatloaf texture and prevent dense, tough results.
- Moisture Mastery: Let sautéed vegetables cool completely before mixing to prevent excess moisture from making the meatloaf soggy and compromising structural integrity.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the 160°F internal temperature, guaranteeing food safety without overcooking and drying out the meat.
- Resting Technique: Allow meatloaf to rest after baking, which helps redistribute internal juices, ensuring each slice remains succulent and flavorful when served.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg