There’s something heartwarming about the smell of meatloaf baking in the oven—it takes you right back to family dinners, second helpings, and sneaking an extra slice when no one’s looking. This cheddar-stuffed meat loaves with ketchup topping recipe is a mouthwatering spin on the classic meatloaf recipe. We’re talking individual meat loaves, stuffed with melty cheddar cheese, wrapped in savory meat bread goodness, and finished with a tangy-sweet ketchup glaze. It’s like if the best meatloaf recipe met a gooey grilled cheese and had delicious little meatloaf babies. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next potluck, this flavorful meatloaf is here to impress.
Cheddar-Stuffed Meat Loaves with Ketchup Topping
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 individual meat loaves
Loaf pan (optional) Though this recipe shapes mini loaves free-form on a baking sheet, a loaf pan can be used if you prefer uniform shapes or are inspired by loaf pan recipes.
Baking sheet Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mixing bowls One large for the meat mixture, one small for the ketchup glaze.
Knife and Cutting Board For prepping veggies and cheese.
Box grater (optional) If you prefer shredded cheese over cubes.
Meat Thermometer To ensure your meat loaves reach a safe internal temperature (160°F).
For the meat loaves
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef 80/20 for flavor and moisture
- ½ lb ground pork for a richer, juicier texture
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- ½ cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs panko or plain
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese cut into ½-inch cubes
For the ketchup topping
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Preheat & Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If you’re using a loaf pan, grease it lightly with oil or nonstick spray.
Make the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Add breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything with your hands or a spoon until just combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with a dense loaf.
Stuff with Cheese
Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Take one portion, flatten it into a patty, place 4–5 cubes of cheddar in the center, and wrap the meat around the cheese to form a mini loaf. Repeat with the remaining portions.
Glaze It
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Spoon or brush the glaze over the tops of each mini loaf generously.
Bake
Place the meat loaves on your prepared baking sheet (or into a loaf pan, if using) and bake for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F and the tops are caramelized and bubbly.
Rest & Serve
Let the loaves rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices locked in and makes slicing easier if you’re planning leftovers—or sandwiching between slices of homemade bread loaf.
Pairings
These cheddar-stuffed meat loaves are rich and indulgent, so pairing them with lighter sides balances the plate beautifully.
- Mashed cauliflower or garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy, comforting, and a natural fit.
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts – Add a pop of color and texture.
- Cornbread muffins or an easy loaf bread recipe – Especially if you love Southern meatloaf recipes, cornbread is a must.
- A crisp green salad – Use a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the meatloaf.
- Iced tea or a light lager – Keep it Southern-inspired with sweet tea, or go savory with a beer that complements the cheddar.
FAQs
1. What kind of ground meat works best for this recipe?
For the juiciest, most flavorful results, use a mix of ground beef (80/20) and ground pork. The fat from the pork keeps things moist and tender. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but you’ll lose some richness—add a bit of olive oil or extra milk to compensate.
2. Can I make this in a loaf pan instead of mini loaves?
Absolutely! Just shape the entire meat mixture into one large loaf in a loaf pan. Increase the bake time to 60–70 minutes. This is perfect if you're looking for that classic meatloaf recipe shape, or trying your hand at loaf pan recipes.
3. What’s the best cheese for stuffing?
Sharp cheddar is the star here because it melts beautifully and packs a punch. But feel free to get creative—try mozzarella for extra gooeyness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the meat loaves the night before, store them in the fridge, and just pop them in the oven when ready. They also freeze well either before or after baking—great for prepping dump and go crockpot dinners (just thaw and heat later).
5. Can I turn this into a sandwich?
Totally! Slice up a leftover mini loaf and layer it between slices of your favorite sandwich loaf recipe—add lettuce, tomato, and maybe a swipe of mayo or extra ketchup topping for an amazing meatloaf sandwich.
