Cheesy Meatloaf

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 1 hr

Description

Meatloaf night used to be one of the least exciting meal of the week—until my mom changed everything by adding cheese. From that moment on, it became a highly requested dinner, transforming a dull dish into something crave-worthy. This elevated take on my childhood favorite captures all the best memories—especially the rich marinara cheesy topping and gooey mozzarella center. Juicy ground beef is mixed with savory aromatics, rolled around a cheesy filling, and baked to perfection under a sweet and tangy tomato glaze. Finished with a final layer of sauce and melted cheese, this cheesy meatloaf is comfort food with a twist—and the best thing to ever happen to meatloaf night.

Ingredients

Staples

0.25 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt

Spices And Herbs

0.25 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
0.5 teaspoon Mustard Powder

Condiments And Sauces

2 tablespoon Ketchup
1.333 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

Oils And Vinegars

1 teaspoon Olive Oil

Dairy And Eggs

1 large Egg
8 ounce Mozzarella Cheese shredded

Meat

1.5 pound Ground Beef 80% lean

Produce

1 small Yellow Onion finely chopped
1 tablespoon Italian Parsley finely chopped
1 clove Garlic minced

Canned Goods

14 fluid ounce Marinara Sauce

Nutritional

calories365

carbohydrates12g

protein27g

fat22g

Step by Step Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
3
Add the ground beef, bread crumbs, ⅓ cup marinara sauce, ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.
4
Transfer the meat mixture to a 13x9-inch baking dish and press it into a flat 8x12-inch rectangle.
5
Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and the chopped parsley in a line down the center lengthwise, leaving a ¾-inch border on all sides.
6
Starting from one long edge, gently roll the meat mixture over itself into a log, like a burrito or jelly roll, encasing the cheese.
7
Press the seam and ends of the loaf to seal and maintain the shape.
8
In a small bowl, make the glaze by mixing ½ cup marinara sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, and the remaining Worcestershire sauce. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
9
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
10
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
11
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.