Cheddar Cheese Meatloaf with Spicy Sweet Chili Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This classic meatloaf recipe combines flavorful ground beef with savory herbs and a tangy glaze for a comforting, hearty meal. Perfect for family dinners, it’s easy to prepare and yields juicy, cheesy slices that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 1 cup bread crumbs (plain)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with oil. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and finely diced onion. Add the bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Step 3: Stir in the milk and beaten eggs just until combined. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and gently mix again, being careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and mustard to make the glaze. Brush about half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
6. Step 6: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
7. Step 7: Let the meatloaf cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to settle.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, soak the bread crumbs in the milk for a few minutes before mixing.
• Swap the ground beef for a mix of beef and ground pork for added flavor.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresher taste.
• Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf the day before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if chilled.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Using a meat thermometer ensures it is safely cooked while remaining juicy.

Cheddar Cheese Meatloaf with Spicy Sweet Chili Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 95 reviews

This classic meatloaf recipe delivers a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Made with lean ground beef seasoned with Italian herbs, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce, it is layered with cheddar cheese and topped with a sweet and tangy homemade glaze. Baked to perfection, this meatloaf is moist, cheesy, and packed with balanced spices for a satisfying meal.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf

• 2 lbs ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 1 cup bread crumbs (plain)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

Glaze

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with dried parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and finely diced onion. Add bread crumbs, kosher salt, and black pepper, then mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the milk and beaten eggs, stirring just until the mixture is combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
5. Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese carefully, ensuring the cheese is mixed throughout without overworking the mixture.
6. Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and mustard until well combined. Set aside.
8. Apply Initial Glaze: Brush about half of the prepared glaze evenly over the meatloaf’s surface.
9. Bake Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
10. Apply Remaining Glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, brush the remaining glaze on top, then return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
11. Rest Before Serving: Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and more flavorful.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef (90% lean) to keep the meatloaf juicy but not greasy.
• Do not overmix the ingredients to avoid a dense meatloaf.
• You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer a milder glaze, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is perfectly cooked to 160°F internally.
• Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain its shape and juiciness.

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, baked meatloaf, ground beef recipe, easy meatloaf, dinner meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf