Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf (Juicy, Melty & Completely Irresistible)

Let me ask you something important.

Is regular meatloaf good?
Yes.
Is meatloaf stuffed with gooey, melted cheese better?

Obviously.

The first time I made cheesy stuffed meatloaf, I didn’t tell anyone what was inside. I sliced it at the table, the cheese started oozing out, and suddenly everyone was very interested in dinner. That’s the power of cheese.

This recipe takes classic comfort food and gives it a surprise center that feels fancy… without actually being hard. Because let’s be honest, we want impressive food, not complicated food.

---

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf

Here’s why this recipe earns a permanent spot in my dinner rotation:

• Juicy inside and out
• Melty cheese center (the best kind of surprise)
• Simple ingredients
• Family-friendly
• Leftovers are legendary

Key point: Cheese inside meatloaf turns a regular dinner into a “wow” moment.

---

What Does Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Taste Like?

It tastes like a classic, savory meatloaf on the outside — tender, well-seasoned, comforting.

Then you hit the center.

Warm, gooey cheese. Stretchy. Rich. Slightly dramatic.

Every bite feels indulgent without being overwhelming. And yes, people will ask for seconds.

---

Best Cheese for Stuffed Meatloaf

You’ve got options, but here’s what I’ve tested (for science):

• Mozzarella – super melty, mild flavor
• Cheddar – bold and classic
• Monterey Jack – creamy and smooth
• Mozzarella + Cheddar – elite combo

Key point: Use cheese that melts well. Crumbly cheese will disappoint you.

---

Ingredients for Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf

Nothing fancy here. Just smart choices.

Meatloaf Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheese Filling

• 1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar (or both)

Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard

---

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf (Step-by-Step)

Let’s build this beauty together.

---

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. I prefer free-form meatloaf because it cooks more evenly and doesn’t sit in grease.

---

Step 2: Create the Moisture Base

In a large bowl, mix:

• breadcrumbs
• milk
• eggs

Let it soak for about 1 minute.

Yes, it looks boring. No, you shouldn’t skip it.

Key point: This step keeps your meatloaf tender and juicy.

---

Step 3: Add the Flavor

Now add:

• onion
• garlic
• ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning

Stir gently. At this point, your kitchen already smells promising.

---

Step 4: Add the Meat

Add the ground beef and mix just until combined.

Please don’t overmix. Overmixed meatloaf turns dense and tough, and nobody wants that.

Key point: Gentle mixing = soft, juicy meatloaf.

---

Step 5: Shape and Stuff

Now for the fun part.

Spread half of the meat mixture into a rectangle on the baking sheet.
Create a shallow groove in the center and fill it with shredded cheese.

Top with the remaining meat mixture and gently seal the edges so the cheese stays inside.

Think of it like wrapping a cheesy present.

---

Step 6: Shape the Loaf

Carefully shape the loaf, smoothing the top and sides.

Don’t pack it too tight. Relaxed meatloaf cooks better.

---

Step 7: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix:

• ketchup
• brown sugar
• mustard

Taste it. Adjust sweetness if needed. I always sneak a little extra sugar.

---

Step 8: Glaze and Bake

Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.

Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Remove from oven, spread the remaining glaze on top, then return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes.

---

Step 9: Rest (This Matters)

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

This keeps the cheese inside instead of flooding your cutting board.

Key point: Resting keeps the cheese where it belongs.

---

Step 10: Slice and Reveal the Cheese

Slice carefully and admire the cheese pull.

This is the moment. Enjoy it.

---

My Best Tips for Perfect Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf

• Seal the edges well to prevent leaks
• Use melting cheese only
• Let it rest before slicing
• Double the recipe if feeding a crowd

Key point: Cheese makes everything better — but patience keeps it inside.

---

What to Serve with Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf

I love serving this with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Green beans
• Simple salad (to pretend we’re balanced)

Or make a grilled meatloaf-and-cheese sandwich the next day. Unreal.

---

Can You Make It Ahead?

Absolutely.

• Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours
• Bake fresh when needed
• Freeze slices for easy meals

Busy nights love this recipe.

---

Final Thoughts (From a Cheese Lover)

Cheesy stuffed meatloaf is comfort food with a surprise familiar on the outside, exciting in the middle.

It’s the kind of meal that makes people pause mid-bite and say,
“Oh wow.”

And honestly? That reaction never gets old.

So tell me mozzarella, cheddar, or both?
Because the cheese choice says a lot about a person 😄