Tag: Meatloaf

Old-Fashioned Southern Cheesy Meatloaf with Chili Sauce

Few comfort foods captured the spirit of a Southern family table quite like a well-seasoned meatloaf layered with melted cheese. This version of Aunt Villa’s Cheesy Meatloaf, adapted from Louisiana Cookin, reflects the kind of hearty, crowd-pleasing dish often served at weeknight suppers, church gatherings, and holiday potlucks acrossLouisiana. By combining ground sirloin, ground beef, and pork with chopped vegetables, bold seasoning, and a surprise layer of creamy cheese in the center, the recipe creates a satisfying main course that balanced richness with savory depth.

Ingredients:

  • ½ pound ground sirloin (96% lean, 4% fat)
  • ½ pound ground beef (70% lean, 30% fat)
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • 1 cup chili sauce
  • ½ cup plain panko bread crumbs (more as needed)
  • 6 slices American cheese
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper
  • ½ cup finely chopped Vidalia onion
  • 4 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • Creole seasoning, to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly coat a meatloaf pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sirloin, ground beef, and ground pork. Add chopped bell pepper, Vidalia onion, eggs, chili sauce, Italian seasoning, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until evenly combined.
  3. Add panko bread crumbs gradually, mixing a little at a time until the meat mixture holds together but remains moist rather than dry. Transfer half of the meat mixture into the prepared pan and press lightly to form an even layer.
  4. Arrange slices of American cheese over the surface, slightly overlapping to create a continuous layer. Add the remaining meat mixture on top and press gently to seal the edges. Bake until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 155°, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  5. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

This cheesy meatloaf pairs beautifully with traditional Southern cuisine accompaniments that balanced its savory richness. Creamy mashed potatoes remained a classic choice, especially when topped with pan juices or a light brown gravy. Slow-cooked green beans seasoned with onion and bacon provide a flavorful vegetable contrast, while buttered corn or roasted carrots added a touch of sweetness to round out the plate.

For gatherings or Sunday suppers, cornbread makes an excellent addition alongside the meatloaf. A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette also works well for those seeking a lighter pairing. In many Louisiana kitchens, baked macaroni and cheese or smothered cabbage would appear alongside a dish like this, reinforcing its role as a centerpiece comfort entrée inspired by regional Southern cooking traditions.

Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking was another essential step. This short resting period helped redistribute juices and made slicing easier while preserving the layered cheese center. For an additional flavor boost, a thin glaze of chili sauce brushed over the top during the final minutes of baking created a slightly caramelized finish that echoed classic Southern meatloaf presentations.

Aunt Villa’s Cheesy Meatloaf demonstrated how simple ingredients could come together to create a deeply satisfying and memorable Southern classic. The layered cheese center added both comfort and visual appeal, while the blend of meats and vegetables ensured balanced flavor in every slice. Whether prepared for a weeknight dinner or shared at a larger gathering, this hearty dish continued the tradition of home-style Louisiana cooking that emphasized warmth, generosity, and bold seasoning. Served alongside classic sides or enjoyed as leftovers the next day, it remained a dependable favorite that brought people back to the table again and again.

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Classic Savory Meatloaf Recipe

It’s consistently beneficial to have a reliable, flavorful recipe in your back pocket that doesn’t require a lot of prep time and is always sure to satisfy. That recipe does exist, and it’s this classic, all-American meatloaf recipe from Martha Stewart’s recipe blog that’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds, budget, and kitchen.

Ingredients for Meatloaf Recipe

  • 3 slices of white sandwich bread
  • ⅓ cup of whole milk
  • 1 ½ pound of ground beef chuck
  • ½ pound of ground pork
  • ½ medium onion, grated
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup of ketchup
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions for Meatloaf Recipe

  1. You’ll want to start this recipe by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line an oven-safe baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and set this aside. Take your pieces of bread, place them into a food processor, and pulse the bread pieces until fine crumbs form. Then you’ll transfer them into a small bowl and stir in milk. Set this all aside for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. While you’re letting the crumbs and milk rest, combine your 1 ½ pounds of ground beef chuck, ½ pound of ground pork, grated half of a medium onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ cup of ketchup, 1 ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper together in the mixing bowl. After it’s mixed, add in your bread-milk mixture and mix it very gently with a fork. At this point, be careful to not overmix it all.
  3. Take your set-aside baking sheet, and put your meat mixture on top of it. Using gloves or freshly-washed hands to form it into a loaf that’s about 9 inches long and 4 to 5 inches in width.
  4. Place the sheet pan into the oven by setting it on the middle rack. Bake it until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F using an instant-read thermometer. Twice during the baking process, you’’ want to brush the ¼ cup of ketchup on top of the meatloaf or the meatloaf glaze detailed below. The total baking process should take anywhere from 45 to 55 minutes. After the internal temperature reaches 160°F, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before you slice & serve it.

Notes:

  • While many like to bake their meatloaf specifically in a loaf pan, the loaves are able to obtain a nice texture and crust when it’s shaped by hand “form free” and cooked in the oven on a baking sheet.
  • Vegetable mixture: Depending on your particular tastes and preferences, you may want to consider simmering some additional vegetables in a skillet to go along with the above recipe’s onion & garlic. This way you’ll add a heartier and more texture-rich flavor to your meatloaf.
    • Place 1 medium carrot, and one celery rib along with your onion in your fruit processor until they’re all finely chopped.
    • Turn on your stove and heat2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over  medium-high heat. Once it’sproperly heated, add your vegetables, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme to the skillet and cook it.
    • Stir in about 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, and ¼ cup of ketchup.
    • Remove this all from the heat, and let it cool completely. You can later add this mixture to your meatloaf before shaping it.
  • Meatloaf Glaze: Instead of brushing your meatloaf twice in the oven with ¼ cup of ketchup, you may choose to prepare the following meatloaf glaze.
    • In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce with 3 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar.
    • Brush a layer over the top of the meatloaf prior to baking it so that it’s coated.
    • About halfway through the baking process, rotate the loaf, and place the remaining glaze on top.

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13 Untraditional Meatloaf Recipes

Meatloaf is a dish that graces almost every dinner table at least once. It’s a traditional German/Dutch meal that’s easy to make, delicious, and great for serving large parties.

But sometimes, traditional can mean boring. In an effort to defeat meatloaf boredom, Rachael Ray came up with a list of 13 deliciously untraditional meatloaf recipesthat you’ll want to make again and again!

1.  Cheeseburger Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes

This recipe has all the tastings of a cheeseburger wrapped into one delicious loaf. In it, you’ll find ketchup, bread-and-butter pickle chips, potatoes, and, of course, perfectly melted cheese. Swap out the bun for mashed potatoes and you’ll be in meatloaf (and cheeseburger) heaven.

2.  Mashed Potato-Topped

For all of the potato lovers out there, this one’s for you. Fill up your plate with parsley and scallion filled slices, and find true joy in the heaping of equally tasty mashed potatoes on top. This recipe is so good, you’ll have seconds (and thirds!).

3.  Chipotle Beef & Chorizo

Turn up the heat with this meatloaf recipe! A spicy twist on the traditional recipe, it has fiery ingredients like chorizo, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, and cumin.

4.  Turkey Meatloaf Burgers

Think meatloaf turned turkey burgers. Take a bite of this dish and experience juicy ingredients like macintosh apple chunks, onions, and celery. Topped with a sourcream cranberry sauce, it’s like a Thanksgiving party in your mouth.

5.  The Classic

Sometimes you just have to go traditional. This classic meatloaf recipe has the standard meatloaf mix, bread crumbs, ketchup, and onion all baked into the perfect loaf. Bake some veggies for a well-rounded meal or opt for mashed potatoes for something filling.

6.  Lean, & Mean

Trying to stick to a healthier diet? The lean, mean meatloaf uses lean ground beef and eggs to make a low-fat, high-protein dinner. It’s the perfect comfort food recipe without compromising your health.

7.  Bacon-Wrapped

Is it even American if there isn’t bacon involved? This recipe is bound to make a meatloaf fan out of even the pickiest eaters. They’ll be running to the table the minute the smell of the bacon hits their nose!

8.  Turkey-Thyme Meatloaf Burgers with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This elegant twist on a classic recipe will have your mother begging for the recipe! Thyme, parsley, and scallions combine to create a deliciously herb-y turkey burger, and the orange juice and brown sugar compliment perfectly as a citrus-flavored gravy. Serve over mashed sweet potatoes and you have an easy to make but elegant meal.

9.  Asian Turkey

Have Asia on the mind? In this dish, you’ll find all the hints of your favorite Asian recipe – soy sauce, scallions, and chili paste galore!

10.  Moroccan Chicken

I know what you’re thinking – a Moroccan chicken meatloaf? It’s a bit of a reach. Just trust us. Once you’ve tried this loaf that incorporated raisins, dried apricots, and turmeric you’ll be making it weekly!

11.   Crustless Tex-Mex Cheddar Pie

This cheesy Mexican meatloaf pie replaces a traditional crust with red peppers so you reduce your carbs without compromising on your favorite foods.12.

12.  Healthy Bison & Quinoa

This one’s for the health nuts out there! The bison meat is leaner than traditional beef and the quinoa offers more protein than the breadcrumbs.

13.  Grilled

Ready to fire up the grill? This recipe has you wrap the meatloaf in aluminum foil and stick it on the grill – perfect for those hot summer days!

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