A comforting family favorite with a rich glaze and melty topping
There’s nothing quite like a thick slice of homemade meatloaf fresh from the oven. Juicy, flavorful ground beef is baked to perfection, topped with a sweet and savory glaze, and finished with melted cheese and fresh herbs. This Classic Cheesy Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners.
Whether served with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, this dish brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥩 Moist and tender texture
- 🧀 Cheesy, golden topping
- 🍅 Sweet and tangy glaze
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for family meals
- 🥄 Great for leftovers and sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Shape and Bake
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes.
4. Add the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until melted and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
- Use 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overmix — this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor.
- Try different cheeses for variety.
What to Serve With It
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Buttered corn
- Fresh dinner rolls
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave individual slices.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Cheesy Meatloaf is a timeless recipe that never goes out of style. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday family meals, or meal prep for the week ahead.