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Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

I have a secret to share.  I actually thought I didn’t like meatloaf!  Isn’t that crazy?  A classic meal that almost everyone loves is a meal I’d shun on making because I just didn’t like it!  But it turns out I actually DO like meatloaf!  It just took finding the right recipe to bring together a winning combination of flavors.  And I found that when I started making this Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe.  (Scroll to the bottom for an easy-to-print recipe card or keep reading to learn more.)

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

A Classic That Never Goes Out Of Style

This meatloaf recipe is easy to make, holds together well, and has the best glaze on top!  It’s a foolproof recipe that combines the classic ingredients I love and delivers a juicy and flavorful main dish in return.  Plus, don’t forget the cheese!  The ooey-gooey goodness  of a little cheese inside is the perfect final touch.

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Ingredients

MEAT–

  • 2# ground beef
  • 3 medium eggs
  • 1 sleeve ritz style crackers
  • 6 cheese sticks
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 1 large onion, diced

GLAZE–

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe Directions

  1. Heat Oven:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Prep Pan:  Grease a 5×7 pan, set aside.
  3. Prep Ingredients:  Crush crackers, dice onion, and cut cheese sticks into rounds.
  4. Combine:  In a large mixing bowl, stir together until combined well: Ground Beef, Eggs, Crushed Crackers, Salt, Pepper, Parsley, and Diced Onion.
  5. Add:  Dump cheese stick rounds into bowl and stir to incorporate.
  6. Pour Into Pan:  Dump the meat mixture into your greased pan and press down until even spread out.  Set aside.
  7. Make Glaze:   In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
  8. Add To Meatloaf:  Spread glaze evenly to coat the entire meatloaf.
  9. Bake:  Place pan in oven and bake for 1 hour or till done.
  10. Serve:  Once the meatloaf is thoroughly cooked through, cut and serve immediately.
  11. Enjoy!

Photos Along The Way

Once all your ingredients are prepped for the meat mixture, just place (all except cheese) in a large bowl and stir.

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

The prepped cheese will be used next so I like to have it in a small container, ready to go.

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

Stir the prepped cheese into the meat mixture and then press evenly into your greased 5×7 pan.

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

Prep the glaze and spread evenly over the meat mixture.

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

Place your classic cheesy meatloaf in the oven to bake.

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

Once done, remove from oven, slice, and serve.

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

Print this recipe to make an amazing meal for your own family!

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

This isn't your ordinary meatloaf! Instead, it's an amazing cheesy version that incorporates classic ingredients in a whole new way!
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Keyword: beef, cheesy meatloaf, classic cheesy meatloaf recipe, classic meatloaf, cooking, ground beef recipes, meatloaf, meatloaf recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories: 307kcal

Ingredients

  • MEAT MIXTURE:
  • 2 # ground beef
  • 3 medium eggs
  • 1 sleeve ritz style crackers
  • 6 cheese sticks
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 1 large onion diced
  • GLAZE MIXTURE:
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • Heat Oven:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Prep Pan:  Grease a 5x7 pan, set aside.
  • Prep Ingredients:  Crush crackers, dice onion, and cut cheese sticks into rounds.
  • Combine:  In a large mixing bowl, stir together until combined well: Ground Beef, Eggs, Crushed Crackers, Salt, Pepper, Parsley, and Diced Onion.
  • Add:  Dump cheese stick rounds into bowl and stir to incorporate.
  • Pour Into Pan:  Dump the meat mixture into your greased pan and press down until even spread out.  Set aside.
  • Make Glaze:   In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
  • Add To Meatloaf:  Spread glaze evenly to coat the entire meatloaf.
  • Bake:  Place pan in oven and bake for 1 hour or till done.
  • Serve:  Once the meatloaf is thoroughly cooked through, cut and serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

*If you prefer a thinner meatloaf, you could spread into a 9x13 pan and adjust baking time down a little as a thinner meatloaf will bake faster.
*For huge cheese loving families, add up to double the amount of cheese this recipe calls for!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 1155mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g
Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe

Make sure to come back and leave a review or comment if you give this Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe a try!

Of course, you can check out our entire gallery of recipes for more great ideas for breakfasts, main courses, sides, desserts, and more.

Recipe Rating




gloria patterson

Friday 14th of October 2022

I was hungry didn't know what I wanted............ now I do. The only problem is I have to get dressed and go to the store to make this. I love meat loaf the first time out of the oven I have to eat a big piece and after that it is meat loaf sandwiches.

Leela

Thursday 3rd of June 2021

I love comfort foods. Meatloaf plus cheese equals amazing!

Deborah D

Wednesday 28th of October 2020

I am going to make this as soon as I can get the ingredients.

gloria patterson

Sunday 18th of October 2020

I like the way you cook.......... dump it in :-) That is the way I do it. I am meatloaf lover, I usually eat the first day hot after that it is meatloaf sandwichs. I like the glace going to try it on my small meatloaf

Dandi D

Wednesday 26th of August 2020

I haven't made meatloaf for my family in such a long time, and adding cheese is a wonderful idea! They'd love it!