Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Cheesy Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound ground pork; 1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix; 2 eggs, beaten; 1.5 cups dry bread crumbs; ground black pepper to taste; 0.75 cup water; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
2 eggs, beaten
1 cups dry bread crumbs
Ground black pepper to taste
cup water
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, dry onion soup mix, beaten eggs, dry bread crumbs, black pepper, and water.
Stir in cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing everything well.
Spread half of the meat mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cups of mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
Top the cheese layer with the remaining meat mixture.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes.
Once baked, allow the meatloaf to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 408
Fat: 23g
Carbs: 18g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 702mg
Cholesterol: 136mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Iron: 3mg
Calcium: 285mg
Potassium: 309mg
Vitamin C: 1mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Author: LAURENVC

History of Meatloaf

Meatloaf has a long history that dates back to medieval times, but the modern version of this comfort food became popular in the United States in the 19th century. It was a frugal dish, designed to stretch meat to feed more people, which was particularly important during the Great Depression. Over time, meatloaf evolved from a simple meat mixture into a more flavorful, hearty meal with various seasonings, toppings, and fillings, such as the cheese in this recipe. While many consider it an American classic, variations of meatloaf are found around the world, from Germany's "Frikadellen" to the Swedish "Kottbullar."

Regional Variations of Meatloaf

Meatloaf recipes vary by region, with different countries adding their own local flavors. In the United States, it is often made with ground beef, pork, or a combination of both, and is seasoned with ingredients like onion soup mix, bread crumbs, and eggs. Some regions prefer to top their meatloaf with ketchup or tomato sauce, while others use gravy or barbecue sauce. This particular "Cheesy Meatloaf" recipe adds a delicious twist by incorporating mozzarella cheese into the loaf, making it moist and flavorful. Variations can also include different types of cheese, herbs, and spices based on local preferences.

How This Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional meatballs or burgers, meatloaf is typically baked in a loaf pan, allowing it to cook evenly and maintain a moist texture. What sets this "Cheesy Meatloaf" apart from similar dishes is the gooey mozzarella cheese baked inside and on top of the loaf, giving it a richer taste. Some recipes use cheese as a topping, but in this case, the cheese is integrated within the meat mixture, creating a satisfying melt in each bite. Additionally, the inclusion of the dry onion soup mix adds a savory, umami flavor that is unique to this recipe, distinguishing it from other meatloaf variations.

Where It's Usually Served

Meatloaf is a staple of American home cooking, often served as a comforting dinner meal. It is typically accompanied by mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a side salad. This cheesy version, with its rich and indulgent texture, is perfect for a family meal or a gathering of friends. Its also a great option for meal prep, as leftovers can be used in sandwiches or wraps the following day. In fact, meatloaf sandwiches are a beloved treat for many who enjoy the hearty, flavorful slices on a toasted bun with a bit of mayo or ketchup.

Interesting Facts About Meatloaf

The world's largest meatloaf, according to Guinness World Records, weighed over 2,400 pounds and was created in the United States in 2000.
Meatloaf is often considered a comfort food in many households, evoking nostalgic feelings of family dinners and home-cooked meals.
Some believe that meatloaf became especially popular in the U.S. during the post-World War II era, as it was an economical dish for families facing tight budgets.
In some regions, meatloaf is served on holidays like Thanksgiving, where it can be paired with cranberry sauce and stuffing for a twist on traditional fare.
Many meatloaf recipes are passed down through generations, often becoming family heirlooms. Each recipe may contain small variations that reflect the tastes and preferences of the family that made it.

Enjoy making this cheesy meatloaf and explore the unique flavor combinations it offers. Whether you're preparing it for a casual family dinner or for a special occasion, its sure to be a hit!

FAQ about Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Meatloaf. After baking, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Leftover Cheesy Meatloaf can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure it’s tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses can be used instead of mozzarella. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary depending on the cheese you choose.

To reheat Cheesy Meatloaf, the best method is to place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, but the oven will keep the meatloaf's texture better.

Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Meatloaf ahead of time. You can assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to make it even further in advance, you can also freeze it unbaked, then bake it when you're ready.

The best way to check if your Cheesy Meatloaf is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the center and make sure there’s no pink remaining.

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. Keep in mind that these meats are leaner, so the texture of the meatloaf may differ slightly. You may also need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Cheesy Meatloaf pairs well with many sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or macaroni and cheese. You can also serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Yes, you can substitute bread crumbs with crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice. These will help hold the meat mixture together and provide a slightly different texture, but will still work well in the recipe.

If you don't have onion soup mix, you can make your own by mixing together onion powder, garlic powder, dried onion flakes, and some salt and pepper. About 1 tablespoon of this mixture will work as a substitute for one envelope of onion soup mix.

Comments

Dorothy Gomez

10/31/2024 04:43:17 PM

This recipe is absolutely fantastic! I've prepared it twice already and both times I decided to mix the cheese in with the meat. The first time, I used a blend of beef and pork which turned out wonderfully. My husband and son loved it so much that they requested this meatloaf to be the only one I make from now on! The second time, I mixed half ground sirloin and half ground turkey, along with Italian bread crumbs. I even added a "channel" on top of the loaves (filled two pans with two pounds each) and included some Italian tomatoes before baking. The result was absolutely scrumptious! I agree with other reviewers - this meatloaf makes for an amazing sandwich. I also didn't find the flavor of the onion soup mix to be overpowering, perhaps some people aren't using enough meat per packet? I also added plenty of black pepper for extra flavor.

Rebecca Hill

01/15/2023 10:57:33 AM

I customized the recipe to cater to my family's love for African and Spanish flavors by incorporating red, green, and yellow peppers, as well as chopped white onions cut into small chunks. I also added an extra 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper instead of the recommended cheese and used 1 packet of McCormick Meatloaf Mixture, along with an additional 1/4 cup of water. I opted for 2 cups of bread crumbs instead of 1 1/2 cups and included one extra egg for added consistency. The dish was baked for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then allowed to rest for 30 minutes instead of the usual 15. Both my wife and sister thoroughly enjoyed their meal, devouring their plates. I appreciate the helpful guidance in mastering the basics of this recipe.

Dorothy Jones

06/02/2024 01:14:46 PM

I didn't have mozzarella cheese on hand, so I substituted with Fiesta Blend cheese. I made a few adjustments to the recipe, such as adding liquid Hickory smoke and lime. After baking it for about 30 minutes, I topped it with a brown sugar and ketchup glaze with a bit more liquid smoke added in, then cooked it for another 30 minutes. The result was really delicious, a great recipe indeed. Thank you for sharing!

Joshua Parker

04/04/2024 12:51:31 PM

Rewritten review: I really enjoyed this recipe! I suggest baking it for an additional 15 minutes or using a thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked. On my second try, I omitted the cheese layer since I noticed it made the slices split and was a bit too indulgent for my taste. I also decided to add 1 tablespoon of Maggi sauce, and I believe it enhanced the overall flavor of the dish.

Christopher Davis

04/26/2025 10:52:41 AM

I've been making a meatloaf that's quite similar to this recipe for many years. The main variations I have are using just 1/2 lb. of ground pork and opting for Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. To finish it off, I like to spread a layer of tomato paste on the outside.

Laura Wright

08/10/2022 06:53:10 PM

I made this recipe using all ground beef and added 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning and 1/2 tsp Garlic powder. Instead of mixing all of the cheese into the meat mixture, I followed the instructions. I cooked it at 375 degrees for exactly one hour, and it turned out perfectly. Even my picky eater husband had seconds! Thank you for the great recipe.

Julie Taylor

09/13/2024 04:41:03 PM

My wife is an amazing cook, but she always requests that I make this meatloaf because she loves it so much!

Charles Smith

08/03/2023 12:14:16 AM

This recipe is fantastic! I used a pre-mixed meatloaf blend of beef, veal, and pork. The only change I made was using Italian breadcrumbs instead of the regular ones because that's what I had on hand. Typically, I always add ketchup to my meatloaf to enhance the flavor, but this time I decided to try it without. After the first bite, I was pleasantly surprised and didn't feel the need to add any ketchup at all. I will definitely be making this recipe again!

Alexander Perez

11/14/2024 04:03:51 PM

I swapped out some mozzarella for a bit of cheddar cheese on the top. The cheese added moisture to the loaf, so no one felt the need to use ketchup or barbecue sauce. It was a very satisfying meal.

Christine Brown

11/01/2023 10:14:37 PM

My whole family absolutely adored it!! So easy to make and incredibly delicious!!

audio version

Cook Time: 25 minutes