Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

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How can you make a dinner staple like a meatloaf even better? Add cheese of course! This flavorful easy Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is packed with ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese, making this a family-friendly recipe you'll turn to again and again!

mozzarella cheese stuffed meatloaf on a white platter

Growing up I didn't know that you could have meatloaf that wasn't stuffed full of cheese, it was just the way my mom always made it. Fast forward to marriage and the first time I made this delicious mozzarella meatloaf recipe my husband couldn't stop gushing about it!

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, serve alongside mashed potatoes for the perfect homestyle meal!

Why I love this recipe

There is a lot of wiggle room in this meatloaf recipe to allow for you to customize it.
You can add hidden veggies! My mom loved to add chopped veggies in the meatloaf. You can use any moist vegetable that is finely chopped: bell peppers, carrots, zucchini whatever you have on hand!
Ummm....hello, CHEESE! 🧀

Ingredients

ground beef
yellow onion
bread crumbs
egg
Worcestershire sauce

salt & pepper
basil
oregano
milk
mozzarella cheese

mixing meatloaf in glass bowl with hands

uncooked meatloaf in baking pan with mozzarella cheese on top

uncooked cheese stuffed meatloaf in baking pan

Step by step

This recipe is so simple!

Mix the ground beef in a large bowl with breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, a little milk and spices.
Divide the meat mixture in half and press half into the loaf pan.
Place the cheese over top of the meat then add the rest of the meat and press down.
An hour in the oven bakes it up perfectly and you'll never guess the ooey-gooey goodness waiting just below the surface!

mozzarella cheese stuffed meatloaf in pan

Variations

use a mix of ground pork and ground sirloin instead of regular ground beef
customize the flavors by experimenting with adding garlic, chopped parsley, black pepper, chopped mushrooms, etc
Top with shredded Parmesan cheese to give even more cheesy flavor!

FAQs

Does it need to be glazed?

No! I actually don't glaze my meatloaf at all. If you do want a glaze I recommend combining 4 tablespoons of ketchup, 2.5 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1.5 teaspoons of lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of dry mustard in a small bowl. Brush over the meatloaf the last ten minutes of cooking.

Why is my meatloaf pink?

The color of the meatloaf doesn't tell you if it is fully cooked. Meatloaf must be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. So long as you use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached this temperature, it is safe to eat your meatloaf even if a little pink.

Why is it falling apart?

In order for your meatloaf recipe to stay together, you need to include enough binders such as egg and breadcrumbs. Too little and you'll end up with crumbly meatloaf. Meatloaf will also fall apart if it is overcooked.

What kind of cheese can I use?

I prefer mozzarella cheese because it's perfect melting but you can use your favorites. Cheddar cheese, gouda, provolone, pepper jack, and havarti cheeses would all taste wonderful in this recipe!

Can you freeze meatloaf?

Yes, meatloaf is very freezer-friendly. Freeze it by the loaf or save individual servings of leftover meatloaf to reheat and eat later. Simply wrap it in two layers of aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag up to 3 months. To thaw place overnight in the refrigerator.
You can also freeze in the same manner before cooking. Thaw before cooking and you may have to extend the cooking time when cooking for a chilled state.

You might also like these other comfort food ground beef recipes:

If you’ve tried this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!