Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, taking the classic meatloaf to a whole new level of flavor and indulgence. This recipe features a moist and savory meatloaf with a gooey, melted cheddar cheese center, creating a stunning surprise in every slice. The combination of seasoned ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and rich cheddar makes this dish irresistible for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

The beauty of this recipe is in the contrast of textures — the tender, flavorful meat surrounding the creamy, melty cheddar, all topped with a slightly caramelized crust. It’s hearty, satisfying, and absolutely crave-worthy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a familiar favorite into something exciting and indulgent. The cheddar cheese center adds richness, creaminess, and flavor, making every bite a delicious experience.

It’s fun to make, visually impressive, and tastes as comforting as it looks. The meatloaf stays moist and tender, and the melted cheese brings a gooey, irresistible surprise that delights both kids and adults alike.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Cheesy, gooey center that makes every slice memorable.
• Tender and flavorful meatloaf enhanced with onions, garlic, and seasonings.
• Easy to serve with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• A straightforward recipe that delivers impressive results.
• Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories per Serving: ~400–450 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup grated carrot (optional for moisture)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Cheddar Cheese Filling

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

For the Glaze (Optional)

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions (Quick Overview)

1. Preheat oven and prepare meatloaf pan.
2. Mix meatloaf ingredients and shape half into a base.
3. Add shredded cheddar as the filling.
4. Top with remaining meat mixture and smooth surface.
5. Brush with glaze if using.
6. Bake until meatloaf reaches internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
7. Let rest, slice, and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, diced onion, grated carrot, garlic, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Mix until just combined — overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Assemble Meatloaf

1. Divide the meat mixture into two portions.
2. Press one portion into the bottom of the loaf pan to form a base.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the base, leaving about 1/2 inch from the edges.
4. Cover with the second portion of meat mixture and smooth the top.

Step 4: Apply Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Brush the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
2. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

1. Remove meatloaf from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
2. Slice carefully to reveal the gooey cheddar center.

How to Serve

• Serve slices with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
• Drizzle any pan juices or extra glaze over slices for additional flavor.
• Perfect for lunch leftovers or packed for meal prep.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overmix meat — this keeps the meatloaf tender and moist.
• Seal the cheese well within the meat to prevent it from oozing out.
• Resting the meatloaf ensures slices hold their shape.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking.
• Add vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrition.

Variations

1. Spicy Cheddar Meatloaf: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese layer or meat mixture.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap the entire loaf in bacon for added flavor.
3. Italian Style: Mix Italian herbs into the meat and use mozzarella for filling.
4. BBQ Glazed: Swap ketchup glaze for your favorite BBQ sauce.
5. Turkey or Chicken Version: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatloaf, keeping cheddar as the center.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual slices until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl for glaze
• Spatula or spoon for assembling
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Grater for cheese and vegetables

Conclusion

Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is a comforting, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing dish that elevates traditional meatloaf with a gooey, cheesy center. It’s tender, flavorful, and visually impressive, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

With its combination of savory meat, rich cheddar, and optional sweet glaze, this meatloaf delivers a delightful balance of flavors in every slice. Once you try it, this cheesy twist on a classic will become a household favorite.