Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Few dishes define comfort food quite like a hearty meatloaf, but this Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf takes the experience to a whole new level. Imagine a perfectly seasoned, juicy loaf of tender ground beef with a molten core of melted cheddar cheese that oozes out with every slice. It’s the perfect combination of classic homestyle flavor and modern indulgence.

This recipe transforms the traditional meatloaf into something unforgettable — rich, satisfying, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether served with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered corn, or a crisp green salad, it’s a wholesome dish that feels like home in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the best of both worlds — the nostalgia of mom’s old-fashioned meatloaf and the gooey joy of melted cheddar inside. The beef is seasoned just right, staying moist and flavorful, while the cheese center turns it into a crowd-pleasing showstopper.

It’s also a dish that’s easy to make but looks impressive, perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings. The aroma of baked beef and bubbling cheese fills the kitchen with irresistible warmth. Plus, the leftovers (if you have any!) make incredible sandwiches the next day.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is a must-try because it’s a comforting classic with a creative twist. It takes something simple and familiar and adds a delicious surprise — a gooey, cheesy heart that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

It’s also:

• Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love it.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
• Meal-prep ready: Freezes beautifully for easy weeknight dinners.

Once you slice into that golden-brown loaf and see the melted cheese inside, you’ll understand why it’s truly a must-try.

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, helps stabilize melted cheese)

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and seasonings. Mix until everything is just combined (do not overmix).
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   In a small bowl, toss the shredded cheddar with cornstarch. This helps keep the cheese from separating during baking.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
   On a clean surface or parchment paper, flatten half of the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
   Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly in the center, leaving about 1 inch of border on all sides.
   Place the remaining meat mixture on top and seal the edges, forming a loaf. Make sure no cheese is exposed.
5. Add the Glaze:
   In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Brush half of the glaze over the top of the loaf.
6. Bake:
   Transfer the loaf to your prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes.
   Brush with the remaining glaze halfway through cooking.
7. Rest and Serve:
   Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the cheese from spilling out too quickly.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat and prep your baking area.
2. Mix the meat ingredients gently until uniform.
3. Prepare your cheddar filling (mix with cornstarch).
4. Shape the first meat layer on parchment paper.
5. Add cheese filling to the center.
6. Seal with remaining meat mixture — pinch edges firmly.
7. Add glaze for that perfect sweet-savory finish.
8. Bake until golden and cooked through.
9. Rest, slice, and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve thick slices of Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf warm with your favorite sides such as:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• Garlic green beans
• Mac and cheese
• Warm dinner rolls or cornbread

Drizzle with extra glaze or top with a spoonful of gravy for a comforting, hearty meal.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the meat. Overworking can make it dense or tough.
• Seal the edges well to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• Let it rest before slicing — this keeps it juicy and intact.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting.
• Add vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and moisture.

Variations

1. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf:
   Wrap the loaf in bacon before baking for smoky, crispy flavor.
2. Mushroom & Swiss Stuffed Meatloaf:
   Replace cheddar with Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
3. BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf:
   Swap ketchup glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
4. Italian Style:
   Use mozzarella cheese and Italian herbs; serve with marinara sauce.
5. Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Meatloaf:
   Add chopped jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration:
  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating:
  Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes.
• Freezing (Unbaked):
  Assemble the meatloaf, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Freezing (Cooked):
  Freeze cooled slices individually in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Meat thermometer (optional, for accuracy)
• Basting brush (for glaze)

Conclusion

This Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is the definition of cozy comfort food — juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy. It takes a timeless classic and adds a rich, melty surprise that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe brings warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to the table.

Serve it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite you’ll make again and again.

Print Recipe

Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American Courses: Meat

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Description

Few dishes define comfort food quite like a hearty meatloaf, but this Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf takes the experience to a whole new level.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs (900 g)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, helps stabilize melted cheese)

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs,chopped onion, garlic, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and seasonings. Mix until everything is just combined (do not overmix).
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, toss the shredded cheddar with cornstarch. This helps keep the cheese from separating during baking.
4. Shape the Meatloaf: On a clean surface or parchment paper, flatten half of the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly in the center, leaving about 1 inch of border on all sides. Place the remaining meat mixture on top and seal the edges, forming a loaf. Make sure no cheese is exposed.
5. Add the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Brush half of the glaze over the top of the loaf.
6. Bake: Transfer the loaf to your prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes.
7. Brush with the remaining glaze halfway through cooking.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the cheese from spilling out too quickly.

Keywords: Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf