Description
This Cheesy Meat Loaf recipe combines hearty ground beef with creamy cheddar cheese and quick-cooking oats for a moist and flavorful meal. Topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard glaze, these individual loaves bake to perfection in just 30 minutes, making it a family-friendly dinner option that’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
Meat Loaf Mixture
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard
Instructions
- Start the cheesy meat loaf mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until combined. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, quick-cooking oats, chopped onion, and salt. Let the mixture stand for a few minutes so the oats absorb the liquid and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the meat: Crumble the ground beef over the mixture and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overworking the meat to prevent a dry meat loaf. Shape the mixture evenly into eight small loaves and arrange them in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and prepared mustard. Stir until smooth and evenly spoon this sauce over each of the shaped loaves.
- Cook the meat loaves: Bake the loaves uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until no pink remains and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Allow the oats to soak in the liquid mixture to help bind the meat and improve texture.
- Do not overmix the meat to keep the meat loaf tender and juicy.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American