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Savory Meatloaf with Cheddar Cheese Center

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A comforting and easy-to-make meatloaf featuring a gooey cheddar cheese center that melts perfectly when sliced. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 6 oz (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tsp (1 g) dried parsley
  • 1 tsp (6 g) salt
  • ½ tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: ½ tsp (1 g) smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and milk. Let sit for a few minutes to allow breadcrumbs to soak up moisture.
  3. Add the eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Lightly grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  5. Press half of the meat mixture into the loaf pan, creating an even layer at the bottom.
  6. Layer the sliced cheddar cheese evenly on top of the meat layer, covering the entire surface.
  7. Cover the cheese layer with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the cheese inside. Smooth the top with your fingers or a spatula.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and cheese to firm up.
  10. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from leaking. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. For a crispier crust, broil the top for the last 3-5 minutes, watching carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, cheddar cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, ground beef, cheesy meatloaf

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/savory-meatloaf-with-cheddar-cheese-center-easy-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-food/