Name: Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preference); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred melting cheese); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze); 2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze); 1 tsp yellow mustard (for glaze); 1 clove garlic, minced (for glaze)

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Oh, honey, if there’s one dish that just screams “cozy night in” and “belly full of happiness” to me, it’s gotta be a really good meatloaf. But not just *any* meatloaf – we’re talking about my Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf! This isn’t your grandma’s bland, dry version (no offense to grandmas, of course!). This recipe takes everything you love about a hearty, savory dinner and kicks it up about five notches with oodles of garlic and a generous helping of melty cheese. It’s been a go-to in my kitchen for years, especially when I need something satisfying and truly family-friendly. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table, and the taste? Pure, comforting bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf Recipe

Okay, so you might be wondering, “Why *this* meatloaf, Lisa?” And let me tell you, there are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf! It’s truly a weeknight hero in my house. Here’s why I just know you’re going to adore it too:

It’s SO Easy to Make: Honestly, it’s mostly mixing and letting your oven do all the hard work. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor!
Flavor Explosion: We’re talking tons of garlic, savory herbs, and that irresistible cheesy goodness. Every bite is a party!
Pure Comfort Food: This meatloaf is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for chasing away those chilly evening blues.
Family Favorite: Even my pickiest eaters can’t resist a slice of this. It’s a guaranteed win for family dinner night!
That Glaze, Though: The sweet and tangy glaze is the perfect crown for this savory masterpiece.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf

Alright, friends, let’s talk ingredients! This Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf is all about simple, good-quality stuff coming together to make something truly amazing. No fancy, impossible-to-find items here, just your everyday heroes with big flavor. You’ll want to gather these goodies – think of it as building your flavor arsenal!

For the Meatloaf: You’ll need 2 pounds of ground beef (I usually go for 80/20 for that perfect juiciness), 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, 4 cloves of garlic (yes, *four*! minced, please!), 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or whatever melty cheese makes your heart sing!), 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
For the Glaze: Don’t skip this part, it’s dreamy! Grab 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard, and just one more clove of garlic, minced for that extra zing!

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf

Alright, my friend, now for the fun part: getting our hands dirty and bringing this Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf to life! Don’t fret, it’s super straightforward. I’ve broken it down into easy, numbered steps so you can whip this up without a hitch. Just follow along, and you’ll have a ridiculously delicious dinner baking in no time!

Preheat your Oven: First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty! Crank it up to 350°F (that’s 175°C).
Mix it Up (Gently!): Grab your biggest mixing bowl. Toss in the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, all that lovely minced garlic, shredded cheddar, fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s my golden rule for any meatloaf recipe: mix until *just* combined. Don’t go crazy overmixing, or your meatloaf will be tough, and we definitely don’t want that!
Shape and Place: Once everything is just incorporated, form that beautiful mixture into a loaf shape. You can pop it right into a loaf pan, or if you prefer a little more crust, shape it on a baking sheet.
Whip Up the Glaze: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and that last bit of minced garlic. Oh, this glaze is a game-changer!
First Glaze Layer: Take about half of that glorious glaze and spread it all over the top of your meatloaf. This will start building that amazing caramelized crust.
Into the Oven! Bake for about 60-70 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
The Grand Finale Glaze: During the last 10-15 minutes of baking, pull that meatloaf out and spread the remaining glaze over the top. It’ll get all sticky and perfect.
Rest, Then Slice: Once it’s all baked and beautiful, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This is CRUCIAL – it lets the juices redistribute, keeping your meatloaf super moist. Then, slice and serve!

Expert Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf

Okay, so you’ve got the basic steps down, but let me share some of my favorite little “chef’s notes” – really, just things I’ve learned in my kitchen – that will take your Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf from good to absolutely *unforgettable*. These are the tricks that make all the difference, trust me!

Don’t Be Shy with the Garlic (But Do Mince It Well!): We’re calling this Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf for a reason! Those four cloves (five, if you count the glaze!) are essential. Make sure it’s really finely minced, though. You want that flavor distributed evenly, not huge chunks.
The Ground Beef Choice Matters: I always recommend using 80/20 ground beef. Anything leaner, and you risk a dry meatloaf – and who wants that? The fat renders down, keeping things wonderfully moist and adding so much flavor.
Embrace the Gentle Mix: I cannot stress this enough – do NOT overmix your meatloaf! Seriously, once the ingredients are just combined, stop. Overworking the meat develops the proteins too much, leading to a dense, rubbery texture. We want tender, juicy meatloaf!
Let It Rest, Seriously: This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s practically a command! Giving your meatloaf those 10 minutes to rest after it comes out of the oven allows all those delicious juices to redistribute throughout the loaf. If you slice it too soon, all that moisture will just run out, and you’ll end up with a dry slice. Patience, my friend, patience!
Pan Prep for Easy Release: If you’re using a loaf pan, a little cooking spray or a thin layer of butter and flour can really help for easy removal. Nothing worse than a broken meatloaf after all that effort!

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf

Okay, so you’ve nailed the classic Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf, but guess what? This recipe is super flexible! Part of the fun of being a home cook is playing around, right? So, let’s talk about how you can tweak it to make it even more “you,” and then, of course, what magical sides you need next to it!

First, for variations: don’t feel locked into cheddar. Try a smoky provolone, a sharp Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick! You could also swap out some of the fresh parsley for other herbs like thyme or rosemary – just a little, they’re strong! And leftovers? Oh my goodness, get ready for the best meatloaf sandwich of your life. Thick slices on toasted bread with a little mayo and maybe a pickle? Chef’s kiss!

Now, for serving. This hearty meatloaf practically begs for some classic comfort food sides. My absolute go-to is a big dollop of creamy mashed potatoes, seriously, the gravy from the meatloaf mixed in? Heaven! Roasted vegetables like tender green beans or crispy Brussels sprouts are also fantastic. And a simple side salad never hurts to lighten things up a bit!

Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf

Okay, so you’ve conquered dinner, and now you have some glorious leftovers of this Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf! Good news: it stores and reheats beautifully. For any uneaten portions, just pop them into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I usually do individual slices in the microwave at 50% power, just to warm it through gently without drying it out. Or, for a whole loaf, cover it loosely with foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. You can even freeze slices in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months – just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Common Questions About Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf

I know when you’re trying a new recipe, even one as awesome as this Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf, a few questions always pop up! So, I’ve gathered some of the most common ones I get from friends and family to help you out. Let’s tackle them, shall we?

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf?

Absolutely, you can! If you’re looking for a lighter option or just prefer poultry, ground turkey can totally work. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner than beef, so your meatloaf might be a little less moist. To counteract that, you could add an extra splash of milk or even a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix. It’ll still be wonderfully flavorful thanks to all that garlic and cheese!

How do I prevent my homemade cheesy meatloaf from crumbling?

Great question! The key to a meatloaf that holds its shape is a good binder, and we’ve got a couple in this recipe: the egg and the breadcrumbs. Also, making sure you don’t overmix (I know, I keep saying it, but it’s important!) helps, as overmixing can lead to a tough, crumbly texture. Another little trick is to make sure your loaf is compacted well when you shape it, but not *too* dense. And of course, letting it rest for those 10 minutes after baking is crucial. It gives everything a chance to set up, making for perfect slices!

What kind of cheese is best for this savory meatloaf recipe?

For this recipe, I’ve called for shredded cheddar, and it’s a fantastic choice because it melts beautifully and has a lovely savory flavor that pairs so well with garlic. But honestly, this is where you can totally personalize your cheesy garlic meatloaf! Want something sharper? Go for sharp provolone. Love a nutty flavor? Gruyère would be amazing. If you’re feeling adventurous, smoked Gouda or even Monterey Jack for a little Mexican twist (with a dash of chili powder!) can be phenomenal. Just pick a good melting cheese you love, and you can’t go wrong!

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf

Just a little friendly heads-up about the nutritional info for this Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf! While I’ve included some estimates, please remember that these values can totally vary. It all depends on the specific brands you use, how much exact product you’re adding, and even the leanness of your ground beef. So, think of this as a general guide rather than a precise measurement!

Make This Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf Tonight!

So, there you have it, my friend! My absolute favorite Cheesy Garlic Meatloaf recipe, complete with all my little secrets and tips. I truly hope you give this a try tonight – I just know it’ll bring that familiar comfort and deliciousness right into your kitchen. If you do make it, I’d LOVE to hear about it! Drop a comment below, let me know what you thought, or even share a pic on social media and tag me! Happy cooking, and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite!