Li'L Cheddar Meat Loaves
Li'L Cheddar Meat Loaves are savory mini meatloaves infused with cheddar, oats, and a sweet ketchup glaze, perfect for family dinners and comforting, hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, beat the egg and milk together.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, quick-cooking oats, chopped onion, and salt.
- Add the lean ground beef and mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into eight loaves and place them in a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
- Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and prepared mustard; spoon the mixture over the loaves.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use gluten-free oats if needed. To enhance the cheese flavor, consider using a mix of cheddar and pepper jack. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a dash of hot sauce to the ketchup topping.
Serving Suggestions
These Li'L Cheddar Meat Loaves pair beautifully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh garden salad. You can also drizzle extra ketchup or BBQ sauce on top for added flavor. For a fun twist, consider serving them with mini rolls for a meatloaf sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Li'L Cheddar Meat Loaves contains roughly 589 calories, with 13g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (32% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 944mg per serving (41% 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 freeze the meat loaves before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped meat loaves before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
If you don't have cheddar cheese, you can substitute with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor. For more depth, try crumbled blue cheese or feta. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly with these alternatives.
How can I make these meat loaves healthier?
To make the meat loaves healthier, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Additionally, you can replace half of the oats with finely grated zucchini or carrots to add moisture and nutrients without sacrificing flavor. Reducing the amount of ketchup and brown sugar in the topping can also help cut down on sugar.
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).