Cheesy Meat Loaf
The Cheesy Meat Loaf is a comforting and hearty dish that’s sure to please a crowd. The infusion of cheese within the meat loaf gives it a delightful, gooey center, while the herbs and spices add depth to its flavor profile. This dish is perfect for family dinners, and the leftovers (if any) are just as delicious the next day. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tip: For those who love a bit more spice in their food, consider adding one of the optional zesty ingredients to give the meat loaf a kick. Whether it’s the warmth of M-K Cajun or the heat from M-K Cayenne Red Pepper, adjusting the spice level can personalize the dish to your preference.
Ingredients
-
- 1/2 c. Onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 c. Green Pepper, finely chopped
- 1 (8-oz.) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 c. Cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella), diced
- 1/4 tsp. M-K Ground Thyme
- 1 c. Bread Crumbs
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 2 Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 tsp. M-K Granulated Black Pepper
- 2 lb. Ground Beef
For extra zest (optional):
- 1/2 tsp. M-K Cajun OR M-K Chili Powder OR 1/4 tsp. M-K Crushed Red Pepper OR M-K Cayenne Red Pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, green pepper, tomato sauce, diced cheese, M-K Ground Thyme, bread crumbs, salt, eggs, and M-K Granulated Black Pepper. Mix these ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Once the mixture is well combined, add in the ground beef. Mix until the beef is well coated with the other ingredients.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1-1/2 hours.
- Periodically check the meat loaf and drain any excess grease that collects.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat loaf, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful.
- Serve the cheesy meat loaf hot with your choice of side dishes.
