Description
A meaty, cheesy transformation! This 375°F baked meatloaf pockets sharp cheddar inside juicy ground beef and Panko. Get the perfect moist texture every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 mix recommended)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for the internal mix)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix, which can result in a tough meatloaf.
- Step 3: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and gently press it down to form an even loaf shape. Bake for 40 minutes to begin the cooking process.
- Step 4: While the meatloaf cooks, prepare the glaze by whisking together the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup with 1 teaspoon of mustard (optional). After 40 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the glaze evenly over the top, and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the glaze.
- Step 5: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Leftovers keep beautifully; store tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze cooled, individually-wrapped slices for easy "grab and heat" dinners.
- When reheating slices, wrapping them loosely in foil and baking at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes helps retain moisture better than rapid microwaving.
- For the ultimate themed meal, serve hot slices atop toasted potato buns, garnished with sliced pickles and fresh lettuce, mimicking a true cheeseburger.
- Since we recommend 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor, gently drain any rendered grease from the pan after the initial 40-minute bake to prevent an oily meatloaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of loaf (approx. 4 oz)
- Calories: 405
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: *The % Daily Value (%DV) for Trans Fat and Unsaturated Fat are typically not listed on standard nutrition labels.
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Protein: 7g