How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe 2024
Introduction
Who doesn’t enjoy a hearty and tasty meatloaf? With a cheesy stuffing, this dish is sure to become a family favourite. Cheesy filled meatloaf takes a traditional comfort food and raises it to new heights of taste. It’s ideal for family dinners, parties with friends, or any time you want a filling supper. In this lesson, we’ll walk you through each step of making this delicious dinner right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Before we begin the process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup of ketchup
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
Preparation Steps
Prepping the Ingredients
First, make sure all of your ingredients are ready to use. Finely chop the onion, then mince the garlic. If the cheeses have not already been shredded, shred them. This preparation will help the assembly process run more smoothly.
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it is ready when your meatloaf is assembled.
Making the Meatloaf Mixture
Combining the Meat and Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix everything together until thoroughly incorporated, but don’t overmix because it will make the meatloaf tough.
Preparing the Cheese Stuffing
Types of Cheese to Use
The cheese stuffing is what sets this meatloaf apart. You can use a variety of cheeses according to your preferences. Cheddar and mozzarella are fantastic melting cheeses, while Parmesan provides a lovely sharpness.
Mixing the Cheese Stuffing
In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix until the cheese is equally spread.
Assembling the Meatloaf
Spreading the Meat Mixture
Spread the meat mixture on a piece of parchment paper to form a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. This will allow you to roll the meatloaf with the cheese stuffing inside.
Adding the Cheese Stuffing
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the meat, leaving about an inch around the edges to keep the cheese from seeping out while baking.
Shaping and Sealing the Meatloaf
Shaping and Sealing the Meatloaf
Roll the meatloaf into a log form from one short end to the other, using the parchment paper as a guide. Ensure that the cheese remains within as you roll.
Sealing the Edges
To ensure proper sealing, pinch the meatloaf’s ends and seams. This step is critical to preventing the cheese from oozing out as it bakes.
Baking the Meatloaf
Placing in the Oven
Place the meatloaf in a baking dish, seam side downT.his helps to keep its shape and prevents it from unravelling.
Baking Time and Temperature
Bake in a preheated oven for around 45 minutes.While it bakes, you may make the glaze.
Making the Glaze
Ingredients for the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. This sweet and tangy glaze will add another layer of flavour to your meatloaf.
Applying the Glaze
After 45 minutes of baking, take the meatloaf from the oven and evenly sprinkle the glaze on top.
Final Baking
Baking After Glazing
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze bubbles and caramelises.
Checking for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to verify the meatloaf is fully cooked. This procedure is necessary for both safety and optimal flavour.
Serving Suggestions
Best Sides to Serve with Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf
Cheesy stuffed meatloaf is great with classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. These sides enhance the meatloaf’s rich flavours.
Presentation Tips
Cut the meatloaf into thick slices and place on a plate. To add colour, sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Tips and Tricks
Ensuring Even Cooking
To ensure that your meatloaf cooks properly, don’t make it too thick. A uniform thickness allows it to cook thoroughly without drying out.
Keeping the Meatloaf Moist
Avoid making your meatloaf too thick to guarantee optimal cooking. Its constant thickness allows it to cook completely without drying out.
Variations of Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf
Different Cheeses and Fillings
Feel free to be creative with the stuffing. For a variety of flavours and textures, combine the cheese with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
Alternative Meat Options
For a different flavour, try using ground turkey or a combination of both beef and pork. Simply adjust the seasonings as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Meat
Mix the ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing might produce a dense, tough meatloaf.
Not Sealing the Loaf Properly
To ensure that your meatloaf stays filled with cheesy delight while baking, seal the edges thoroughly.
Conclusion
That concludes our complete guide on cooking a delicious cheesy stuffed meatloaf. This dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation, bringing joy to the dinner table. With the correct materials, a little prep, and a few simple procedures, you can make a meatloaf that is both comfortable and impressive.