Cheddar Meatloaf Recipe (Makes 2 Loaves)
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 sleeves Ritz Crackers (garden vegetable flavor or regular), crushed
- 16 oz block of cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp onion powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups ketchup
- 3 tbsp mustard
- Worcestershire sauce (to taste, about 1-2 tbsp)
- Brown sugar (to taste, about 2-3 tbsp)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined (you can use your hands or a spoon).
- Gently fold in the cheddar cheese cubes or shreds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Shape the Loaves:
- Divide the meatloaf mixture in half and press it into two meatloaf pans or shape them into two loaves by hand on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatloaf:
- Place the loaves in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes at 350°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The time may vary depending on the thickness of the loaves, so check for doneness.
- Make the Sauce:
- While the meatloaf is baking, mix together the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust the sweetness and tanginess by adding more brown sugar or Worcestershire sauce based on your preference.
- Add the Sauce and Bake Again:
- Once the meatloaf is done baking (after about 30-40 minutes), remove it from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F.
- Spread a generous amount of the sauce over the tops of both meatloaves.
- Return the meatloaves to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes at 400°F, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
- Serve:
- Once the sauce has thickened and set, remove the meatloaves from the oven.
- Let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve slices of the cheesy meatloaf with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables!
Tips:
- Cheddar Options: For extra cheesy goodness, you can mix cheddar cubes into the meatloaf and sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top during the last few minutes of baking.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the meatloaf ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake when ready.
- Freezing: Leftover meatloaf freezes well! Wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
This cheesy and flavorful Cheddar Meatloaf will definitely become a family favorite!