Here’s a rich, savory, and family-favorite recipe for Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze — a flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, with a gooey cheese center and sweet-smoky BBQ topping.
🧀🍖 Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
⏱️ Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
🧄 Flavor: Smoky, cheesy, hearty comfort food
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
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2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
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1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
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2 large eggs
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½ cup milk
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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6–8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into sticks or cubes
For the BBQ Glaze:
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½ cup BBQ sauce
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp ketchup (optional for tang)
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1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
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Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment, or use a loaf pan.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
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In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Mix until just combined — do not overwork.
3. Shape & Stuff
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On a sheet of wax paper or foil, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle (~9×13″).
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Place cheddar sticks in a line across the center.
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Roll up carefully from one end, enclosing the cheese fully, and form into a loaf shape.
4. Transfer to Pan
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Place on prepared sheet or into a loaf pan, seam side down.
5. Apply Glaze
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In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard.
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Brush half of the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
6. Bake
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Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Brush with remaining glaze and broil for the last 2–3 minutes to caramelize.
7. Rest & Serve
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Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or cornbread.
Tips & Variations:
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Cheese options: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda.
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Add-ins: Finely chopped jalapeños or bell peppers for extra flavor.
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Low-carb: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Would you like this adapted for a slow cooker, mini loaf, or air fryer version?