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Ultimate Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Classic

Few meals bring as much comfort and nostalgia as a well-made meatloaf. But when you take that traditional dish and add a rich, gooey cheese filling, you elevate it into something unforgettable. This Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf is everything you want in a hearty dinner: tender beef, a savory crust, golden melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions swimming in flavorful pan juices. It’s perfect for family dinners, special weekends, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20)

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Stuffing & Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup caramelized onions (optional but highly recommended)

For the Pan Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup beef broth

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 1 hour

  • Rest Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onions, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork the meat or it may become dense.

2. Form the Meatloaf

On a sheet of parchment or plastic wrap, flatten the meat mixture into a large rectangle about 1 inch thick. Layer the shredded cheese across the center, leaving room at the edges. Carefully roll the meat over the cheese, sealing the edges to encase the filling. Transfer the formed loaf to a greased or parchment-lined dark baking pan.

3. Add the Topping

Sprinkle additional cheese over the top of the meatloaf. If you have caramelized onions, place them around the loaf in the pan. Pour in the beef broth around the edges, and dot the broth with a little butter for extra flavor.

4. Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 55–60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The cheese should be bubbling and golden, and the loaf nicely browned on the outside.

5. Optional Sauce

If you want a thicker pan sauce, remove the meatloaf and stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch into the pan juices. Simmer on the stovetop until thickened, then pour back over sliced meatloaf when serving.

6. Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let the juices settle. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered green beans for a full comforting meal.

Serving Tips

This dish is incredibly versatile. For a Southern-style dinner, pair it with creamy mac and cheese and collard greens. For something lighter, try a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Leftovers reheat beautifully and can even be tucked into sandwiches the next day with extra cheese and toasted bread.

This Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf recipe takes everything you love about the classic and gives it an irresistible twist. The melty cheese center, golden crust, and rich pan juices make every bite satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or a weeknight treat, it’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to plain meatloaf again!

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