Savory Herb & Cheese Meatloaf

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Savory Herb & Cheese Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. With a perfect blend of herbs, gooey cheese, and a tangy glaze, it promises to elevate your weeknight dinners with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Savory Herb & Cheese Meatloaf

The blend of ground beef and pork ensures a juicy and flavorful meatloaf, with the beef providing robust flavor and the pork adding tenderness. The breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together while also absorbing juices to keep everything moist. Cheddar cheese melts through the loaf, contributing a sharp, creamy note that balances the savory meat. Eggs act as a binder, holding the loaf together during baking. Onion and garlic add depth and aromatic flavors, while fresh parsley introduces a fresh, herbaceous element. Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard infuse a subtle tang and umami. The sauce mixture of ketchup and barbecue sauce creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on top.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
  • To save time, use pre-shredded cheese, but ensure it's fresh for the best melt.
  • For an even cook, try using a meatloaf pan with drainage holes to allow excess fat to drip away.

Serving Suggestions

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a light, tangy coleslaw. For a complete meal, add some roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts, which can be cooked alongside the meatloaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all beef instead of a mix of beef and pork?
Yes, but the combination of beef and pork enhances the texture and flavor. All beef will work, but expect a slightly denser loaf.
Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Absolutely! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

Savory Herb & Cheese Meatloaf Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the meatloaf will cook evenly once you place it inside. While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the ground beef and pork first to ensure they're well integrated. Add in the breadcrumbs, cheese, and eggs to start binding everything together. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, and parsley for flavor.

Next, drizzle in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Now, using your hands, gently mix everything until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, so aim for a light touch.

Once mixed, shape the meat mixture into a loaf form. Place it on a greased baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the loaf, cooking it evenly. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce to create the glaze. Brush this generously over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (70°C) before pulling it out. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps retain the juices, making each slice as tender as possible.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the richness of beef and pork for a juicy texture.
  • Sharp cheddar adds a creamy, savory layer.
  • Quick prep and straightforward steps make it weeknight-friendly.
  • Herbaceous notes from fresh parsley brighten the dish.
  • Customizable glaze for those who like a hint of sweetness or more tang.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef
0.5 lbs ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix gently using hands until all ingredients are just incorporated.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet.
5. In a small bowl, mix ketchup and barbecue sauce, then brush it generously over the meatloaf.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!