Description
Hearty comfort calls with our ultimate cheesy meatloaf bake, a classic dish reimagined with gooey melted cheese and rich ground beef. Savory layers promise satisfaction, delivering home-style warmth that welcomes you straight to the family dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground pork
Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and prepping a loaf pan with a light grease coating or parchment paper lining for effortless release.
- Create a robust meat mixture by gently combining ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, whisked eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are harmoniously integrated.
- Craft the cheese-filled core by layering half the meat mixture into the prepared pan, spreading mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly across the initial meat base, then carefully covering with remaining meat mixture, pressing firmly to encase the cheese center completely.
- Develop a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth, then generously brushing the mixture across the meatloaf’s surface for a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven, allowing it to cook for approximately 55-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (71C), ensuring thorough cooking.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute internal juices and facilitates cleaner, more defined slicing.
Notes
- Adjust the meat blend by using leaner ground beef or turkey for a healthier version without compromising flavor.
- Create a gluten-free option by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Enhance the cheese layer by experimenting with different cheese combinations like provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Prevent dryness by avoiding overmixing the meat and using a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg