🧀 Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe
🍽️ Serves: 6
⏱️ Total Time: ~1 hr 15 mins
🛒 Ingredients:
For the meatloaf:
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2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for gooeyness)
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1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup milk
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the topping:
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1/3 cup ketchup
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp mustard (optional, for a tangy glaze)
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Extra shredded cheese for topping (optional, for the last few minutes of baking)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix meatloaf:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, ketchup, salt, pepper, seasoning, and shredded cheese.
Mix until just combined — don’t overwork it.
3. Shape & bake:
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Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in your pan or on the baking sheet.
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Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
4. Add glaze:
Mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
Brush over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven for 15–20 more minutes, or until internal temp hits 160°F (71°C).
5. Add final cheese (optional):
In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle more cheese on top and let it melt.
6. Rest & serve:
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing so it holds together nicely.
🧄 Variations:
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Stuffed version: Flatten the meat mix, add a layer of shredded cheese, roll it up jelly-roll style, and bake.
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Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
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Bacon-wrapped: Wrap the loaf with bacon before baking.
Would you like a mini muffin tin version, a turkey version, or a keto-friendly cheesy meatloaf?