Description
Comforting cheddar meatloaf delivers a hearty embrace of classic American kitchen warmth. Home chefs discover rich flavor layers blending tender meat, sharp cheese, and homemade goodness you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) 80% lean ground beef
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Binding, Seasoning, and Topping:
- 45 Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) ground black pepper
- ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly greasing the surface to prevent adhesion.
- Sauté diced onions and optional green bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Combine crushed Ritz crackers, whisked eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, kosher salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Blend ingredients until uniformly incorporated.
- Gently fold ground beef into the cracker mixture, integrating the cooled vegetable medley. Use hands to thoroughly combine all components, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Mold the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape directly on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing initial cooking and flavor development.
- Craft a vibrant glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until smooth and well-blended.
- After the initial baking period, generously brush the glaze over the meatloaf’s surface, creating a glossy and caramelized exterior.
- Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F, indicating complete cooking.
- Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Boost flavor by sautéing onions and bell peppers before mixing into the meat, which releases natural sweetness and adds depth to the meatloaf.
- Use Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs for a richer, more buttery texture that helps bind the ingredients and keeps the meatloaf tender.
- Create a tangy-sweet glaze with ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard that caramelizes during baking, providing a delicious golden-brown exterior.
- Mix ingredients by hand to ensure even distribution and prevent overworking the meat, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking so the juices redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and flavorful slice every time.
- Opt for whole milk and shredded cheddar cheese to enhance moisture and add a rich, creamy element to the classic comfort dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg