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Cheddar Cheese Meatloaf with Spicy Sweet Chili Glaze Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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