Cheese Meat Loaf
Cheese Meat Loaf is a savory, comforting dish combining ground beef, cheese, and a tangy ketchup glaze. Its juicy interior and cheesy layers make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering rich flavors and a hearty texture that appeals to meat lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the ground beef, ketchup, chopped onion, soda crackers, and egg until well combined.
- Pat out the mixture into a rectangular shape on a baking dish.
- Place 2 to 3 slices of cheese on top of the meat mixture.
- Roll up the meat mixture to enclose the cheese slices.
- Place the rolled meat loaf in a pan.
- Baste the top with additional ketchup and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce into the meat mixture. If you want a healthier option, you can replace half of the ground beef with ground turkey. Instead of soda crackers, crushed bread crumbs can also work well. Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed to prevent leakage while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese meat loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts would also complement it nicely. For a fun twist, consider pairing it with a tangy barbecue sauce, reminiscent of dishes like Shredded Barbecue Beef.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Meat Loaf contains roughly 1725 calories, with 78g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (156% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and potassium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 978mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add vegetables to the meat loaf mixture?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely so they incorporate well into the meat mixture.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice due to its melting properties and sharp flavor, but you can also use mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just ensure the cheese is sliced thinly for easy melting.
Can I freeze the cheese meat loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the meat loaf before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).