Meatloaf's Best Cheesy Companions: A Flavor Symphony

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but what happens when you add cheese to the mix? The answer is simple: it gets even better. Whether you're a fan of cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, or any other type of cheese, adding a cheesy twist to your meatloaf can take it to the next level. From oozing melted cheese fillings to cheese-stuffed surprises, the options are endless. So, get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food combination—meatloaf and cheese!

Mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Spices (dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, black pepper, cayenne pepper)
• Mozzarella cheese
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Red wine vinegar
• Garlic
• Salt
• Onion
• Celery
• Green pepper
• Parsley
• Mustard
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it.
• Combine all the ingredients, except the mozzarella cheese and the ketchup, in a large mixing bowl.
• Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on the prepared pan.
• Create a deep crease down the middle of the loaf and fill with mozzarella cheese. Tightly pinch the meat mix together on top of the cheese to close.
• Spread the loaf with ketchup.
• Bake for 30 minutes. Carefully spread with another layer of ketchup and finish baking for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F.
• Remove the cooked meatloaf from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips:

• To keep the meatloaf from falling apart, add breadcrumbs and eggs as binding ingredients.
• To check if the meatloaf is cooked, use an instant-read thermometer. You want the internal temperature of the meat to reach 160°F.
• You can freeze meatloaf by wrapping it securely in foil and then aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations:

• You can use other types of cheese such as cheddar, gouda, provolone, pepper jack, or havarti.
• You can add vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the meat mixture.
• For a glaze, combine ketchup, brown sugar, lemon juice, and dry mustard, and brush over the meatloaf for the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Cheddar cheeseburger meatloaf

This mouth-watering meatloaf is a fun twist on the classic, with melty nuggets of cheddar and a tangy tomato-mustard glaze. It's a comforting, flavourful, family-friendly dish that's perfect served with mashed potatoes and green vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 4 oz. sharp cheddar
• 1 lb. ground beef (85/15)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
• In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
• In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the egg.
• Finely mince the onion.
• Roughly chop the cheddar cheese so that it is in pieces about the size of a small bean.
• Add the ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, whisked egg, minced onion, and chopped cheddar to a bowl.
• Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until incorporated.
• Place the meat mixture in a casserole dish or on a rimmed baking sheet and shape into a rectangle, approximately 7" long, 4" wide, and 1.5" thick.
• To make the glaze, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Spread the glaze over the unbaked meatloaf.
• Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF.
• Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can experiment with different types of cheese in this recipe, such as blue cheese, Swiss, feta, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
• If you want to add some veggies, try finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
• This recipe serves four, but you can double the batch to ensure leftovers for sandwiches!

Meatloaf with semi-hard, easy-melting cheese

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but adding cheese takes it to the next level! If you're looking for a semi-hard, easy-melting cheese to elevate your meatloaf, there are several options to choose from.

One popular choice is shredded Havarti cheese, which has a mild, buttery flavour and melts smoothly. You can also use other semi-hard cheeses such as Gouda, Cheddar, Swiss, Colby, or Monterey Jack. These cheeses have a similar texture and melting quality to Havarti, so they will work well in a meatloaf.

When adding cheese to your meatloaf, it's best to layer it in the middle of the loaf rather than mixing it throughout the meat. This will create a delicious surprise in the centre of your meatloaf. Simply shape your meat mixture into a loaf, create a trench in the centre, fill it with your chosen cheese, and then seal it with the reserved meat mixture.

For a truly mouth-watering dish, serve your meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a side of green vegetables. This combination will give you a hearty, comforting meal that your family will love.

Meatloaf with cheese in the middle

A classic comfort food, meatloaf is a delicious dish that can be made even better by adding cheese to the middle. This guide will take you through the steps to create a mouth-watering meatloaf with a cheesy centre.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef (regular 80% lean, 20% fat ground beef is recommended)
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs or old-fashioned rolled oats
• Cheese (more on this later!)
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Onion
• Milk (optional)

Preparing the Meatloaf

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, eggs, breadcrumbs or oats, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated. You can do this by hand or using a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.

Adding the Cheese

The key to this recipe is adding a delicious layer of cheese in the middle of the meatloaf. To do this, first, pack the meat mixture tightly into a loaf pan. Create a well in the centre of the meatloaf, leaving a 1/2-inch wall on each side. Fill this well with your chosen cheese. You can use shredded cheese or cut the cheese into chunks or cubes. Cover the cheese carefully with the reserved meat mixture, making sure to seal it in.

Baking the Meatloaf

Flip the pan over onto the prepared baking sheet and gently slide out the meatloaf. Bake for about 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F. Brush the remaining ketchup on all sides of the meatloaf, then return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting time is important, as it allows the meat to rest and the juices and cheese to settle, ensuring that your meatloaf stays moist and juicy.

Choosing the Right Cheese

When it comes to choosing the cheese for your meatloaf, there are several options that pair well with the other ingredients. Semi-hard cheeses that melt easily, such as Havarti, Gouda, Cheddar, Swiss, Colby, or Monterey Jack, are all excellent choices. Mozzarella is another popular option, as it melts well and creates a gooey, stretchy texture. You can also experiment with other cheeses like provolone, pepper jack, blue cheese, or feta, depending on your taste preferences.

Customizations and Sides

Feel free to add some hidden veggies to your meatloaf, such as finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. You can also customize the flavours by adding garlic, chopped parsley, black pepper, or chopped mushrooms. For a more crispy texture, consider adding a glaze on top of your meatloaf. Combine ketchup, brown sugar, lemon juice, and dry mustard, and brush it over the meatloaf during the last ten minutes of cooking. Serve your meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted broccoli for a complete, comforting meal.

Meatloaf with cheese on top

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but it can be made even better by adding cheese. This guide will show you how to make a delicious and cheesy meatloaf that your family and friends will love. By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to create a mouth-watering dish that's sure to impress.

Choosing the Right Cheese

When it comes to selecting the perfect cheese for your meatloaf, there are several options that pair well with the flavours of the meat. Here are some recommended cheeses:

• Mozzarella: This cheese is known for its melting properties and will create a gooey, delicious centre in your meatloaf.
• Cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and can be used in cubes or shredded form.
• Gouda: A semi-hard cheese that melts easily, gouda adds a mild and creamy flavour.
• Havarti: Similar to gouda, Havarti is a semi-hard cheese that melts well and can be substituted with Colby, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese.
• Provolone: Provolone is a good melting option and pairs well with ketchup or BBQ sauce.
• Fontina: Another cheese that melts well and adds a creamy texture to your meatloaf.

Preparing the Meatloaf

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs or a binder such as rolled oats, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and your chosen cheese. You can also add diced onions, garlic, and spices for extra flavour.
• Mix the ingredients well, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the beef tough.
• Transfer the mixture to a foil-lined baking sheet and shape it into a loaf. You can also use a loaf pan, but baking it on a sheet allows the grease to drain away.
• Create a trench in the centre of the loaf, leaving at least 1 inch of meat at the bottom.
• Fill the trench with your chosen cheese. Cubed cheese works well to prevent premature melting.
• Smooth the meat over the cheese, ensuring it is sealed well.
• Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and spread ketchup, BBQ sauce, or tomato sauce on top. You can also add more shredded cheese for an extra cheesy treat.
• Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which should take about 10-20 minutes.
• Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices and cheese to settle, making it easier to slice and ensuring the slices hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions

Meatloaf pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed potatoes: For the ultimate comfort food combination.
• Green beans, roasted broccoli, or Brussels sprouts: Add a healthy dose of vegetables to your meal.
• Baked potatoes: A classic side dish that complements the meatloaf perfectly.
• Garlic butter noodles: For a hearty and satisfying meal.

Customisation and Tips

• Add hidden veggies: Finely chop bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini and mix them into the meatloaf mixture.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding garlic, chopped parsley, black pepper, or chopped mushrooms to enhance the flavour.
• Top with shredded Parmesan: For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese on top of the meatloaf before baking.
• Glaze options: While glazing is not necessary, you can create a simple glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, lemon juice, and dry mustard. Brush this glaze over the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Lean ground beef: Using lean ground beef will result in less grease in the pan after baking.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the meat mixture and fill it with cheese a day in advance. Simply store it in the loaf pan and turn it out onto a baking sheet before baking.

Frequently asked questions