Description
A savory and cheesy meatloaf infused with tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese. This hearty dish can be made as a classic loaf, in mini muffin portions, or even in a slow cooker. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s packed with smoky flavor and gooey cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×5-inch loaf or 12 mini meatloaf muffins):
For the Meatloaf:
1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
For the BBQ Topping:
½ cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for brushing)
Optional Add-Ins:
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
½ cup diced bell pepper or mushrooms
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a 12-cup muffin tin.
Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
For a loaf: Shape mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
For mini muffins: Divide mixture evenly into muffin cups.
Brush the top with barbecue sauce.
Step 4: Bake
Loaf: Bake 50–60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Mini muffins: Bake 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing or serving. Brush with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake the next day for easy dinner prep.
- Slow Cooker Version: Shape the loaf and place in slow cooker, brush with BBQ sauce, cook on low for 6–7 hours.
- Mini Version: Perfect for portion control or kid-friendly meals. Bake in muffin tins for 25–30 minutes.
- Cheese Variation: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy twist or smoked gouda for extra smokiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes (loaf) / 25–30 minutes (mini muffins)
- Category: Main Course / Comfort Food
- Method: Baked / Slow Cooker Option
- Cuisine: American