Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Savor the Flavor: Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf recipe. This classic comfort food takes traditional meatloaf to a whole new level by incorporating gooey melted cheese into every savory bite. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Join us as we dive into the recipe for this delectable dish and discover how to elevate your meatloaf game.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your own Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf masterpiece:

• 1/2 cup crushed saltines or bread crumbs
• 2 pounds ground meat (beef, sausage, turkey, or a mix)
• 1 egg
• 3 cloves crushed garlic
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup ketchup (or BBQ sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Colby cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Additional ketchup (or BBQ sauce) for topping

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed saltines or bread crumbs, ground meat, egg, crushed garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Form the Meatloaf: Divide the meat mixture in half. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
4. Add the Cheese Filling: Layer the Swiss cheese slices on top of the meat mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses over the Swiss cheese, creating a cheesy filling.
5. Cover with Remaining Meat Mixture: Place the remaining half of the meat mixture on top of the cheese filling, pressing it down gently to seal the edges and encase the cheese completely.
6. Top with Sauce: Brush the top of the meatloaf with additional ketchup or BBQ sauce for added flavor and moisture.
7. Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve slices of cheesy meatloaf hot and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize your Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf:

• Mix Up the Meats: Experiment with different types of ground meat for your meatloaf, such as beef, sausage, turkey, or a combination of meats. Each option brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
• Add Seasonings: Enhance the flavor of your meatloaf by adding additional seasonings to the meat mixture. Consider options such as dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or basil), onion powder, garlic powder, or smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
• Use Different Cheeses: Get creative with the cheese filling by using your favorite varieties. Try substituting Swiss cheese with cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Customize the Sauce: Customize the sauce topping to suit your taste preferences. Use traditional ketchup for a classic flavor, or switch it up with BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, or a homemade glaze made with brown sugar and mustard.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt the Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf recipe to fit your dietary preferences:

• Replace Bread Crumbs: Substitute crushed pork rinds or almond flour for the bread crumbs to keep the meatloaf low-carb and keto-friendly.
• Choose Lean Meats: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey instead of higher-fat options like sausage to reduce the overall fat content of the meatloaf.
• Skip the Ketchup: Omit the ketchup or BBQ sauce from the meat mixture and topping to avoid added sugars and carbs. Instead, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce or homemade keto-friendly glaze.
• Increase Cheese: Increase the amount of cheese in the filling to add richness and flavor without adding extra carbs. You can also experiment with different types of cheese that are lower in carbs, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan.

In conclusion, Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory meat mixture, gooey cheese filling, and flavorful sauce topping, this meatloaf is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to fit your dietary needs, Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is a versatile and delicious option for dinner. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the comforting goodness of this cheesy meatloaf. Your taste buds will thank you!