🍖🧀 Easy Meatloaf With Cheese — Don’t LOSE This Recipe! 🥘🥰
Comfort food doesn’t get more classic (or more lovable) than a juicy, cheesy meatloaf fresh out of the oven. This one is simple, hearty, and packed with flavor—tender beef, savory veggies, and melty cheese in every slice. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table fast and leaves zero leftovers.
🧡 Introduction
Meatloaf is the ultimate home-cooked hero: budget-friendly, forgiving, and endlessly customizable. Adding cheese takes it from “everyday dinner” to weeknight favorite—moist inside, golden on top, and loaded with comfort. Whether you grew up on meatloaf nights or you’re discovering it now, this version is a keeper.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 works best for juiciness)
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Topping (Highly Recommended 😍)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let it soak for 1–2 minutes.
- Add ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and shredded cheese. Gently mix just until combined (don’t overwork it!).
- Shape into a loaf and place in the pan or on the sheet.
- In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire, then spread over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 55–65 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
🔥 Methods & Tips
- Juicy Method: Use milk + breadcrumbs and avoid overmixing.
- Extra Cheesy: Add cheese cubes inside the loaf for gooey pockets.
- Crispy Edges: Bake free-form on a sheet pan instead of a loaf pan.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
📜 A Little History
Meatloaf has roots going back to ancient Rome, but it became a household staple in the U.S. during the Great Depression—stretching meat with fillers like bread and eggs. Over time, families added their own twists… and cheese became a beloved upgrade.
🧩 Formation (Why This Works)
- Eggs bind everything together
- Breadcrumbs + milk keep it tender
- Veggies add moisture and flavor
- Cheese melts into the beef for richness
It’s a simple formula that never fails.
❤️ For the Lovers (Who This Is Perfect For)
- Busy families needing a reliable dinner
- Comfort-food lovers craving something cozy
- Meal preppers—it reheats beautifully
- Cheese fans (obviously 🧀)
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Meatloaf With Cheese is proof that simple ingredients can create something unforgettable. Cozy, filling, and full of love—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
👉 Save it, share it, and drop a comment so you don’t miss the next comfort-food classic. More goodness coming your way! 🥰🍽️