Delicious cheesy meatloaf topped with melted cheese and herbs

Cheesy Meatloaf

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why make this recipe

Cheesy Meatloaf is a fun and tasty twist on a classic dish. Everyone loves meatloaf, but adding cheese makes it even better! This recipe combines ground beef with delicious Havarti cheese, making every slice extra special. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require a lot of time or fancy ingredients.

how to make Cheesy Meatloaf

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80 percent lean)
  • 1 small onion (peeled and minced)
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup ketchup (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 6 ounces Havarti cheese (shredded)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
  3. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl by hand, combine the ground beef, minced onion, eggs, oats, 1/2 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Mix on low until everything is well combined.
  4. Rinse a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with water. This helps the meatloaf release easily later.
  5. Pack the meat mixture tightly into the loaf pan and carve out a well about 5 inches long and 1 inch wide. Set the excess meat mixture aside.
  6. Fill the well with the shredded Havarti cheese, then cover it with the reserved meat mixture.
  7. Flip the pan over the prepared baking sheet and bake for 60 minutes.
  8. After 60 minutes, take it out of the oven, increase the temperature to 400 degrees, and brush the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup on all sides of the meatloaf.
  9. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  10. Let the meatloaf cool for 15 minutes before serving.

how to serve Cheesy Meatloaf

You can slice the Cheesy Meatloaf and serve it warm. It goes well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, consider serving it on a bun like a meatloaf sandwich!

how to store Cheesy Meatloaf

To store leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Cheesy Meatloaf

  • Be sure not to overmix the meat mixture. Mix just until combined for a tender meatloaf.
  • Try different cheeses if Havarti isn’t your favorite. Cheddar or mozzarella could work great as well.
  • For extra flavor, add some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture.

variation (if any)

You can make a BBQ Cheesy Meatloaf by using BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for brushing on top. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken will work, but they may produce a slightly different texture.

2. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees for beef.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

Cheesy Meatloaf

Cheesy Meatloaf is a fun and tasty twist on a classic dish, combining ground beef with Havarti cheese for extra flavor. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80 percent lean)
  • 1 small onion (peeled and minced)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup ketchup (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 6 ounces Havarti cheese (shredded)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
  3. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl by hand, combine the ground beef, minced onion, eggs, oats, 1/2 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Mix on low until everything is well combined.
  4. Rinse a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with water. This helps the meatloaf release easily later.
  5. Pack the meat mixture tightly into the loaf pan and carve out a well about 5 inches long and 1 inch wide. Set the excess meat mixture aside.
  6. Fill the well with the shredded Havarti cheese, then cover it with the reserved meat mixture.
Cooking
  1. Flip the pan over the prepared baking sheet and bake for 60 minutes.
  2. After 60 minutes, take it out of the oven, increase the temperature to 400 degrees, and brush the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup on all sides of the meatloaf.
  3. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  4. Let the meatloaf cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

To store leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. Be sure not to overmix the meat mixture. Mix just until combined for a tender meatloaf. Try different cheeses if Havarti isn’t your favorite. Cheddar or mozzarella could work great as well. For extra flavor, add some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture.