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BBQ Cheddar Stuffed Meatloaf

BBQ cheddar stuffed meatloaf - featured image

This BBQ cheddar stuffed meatloaf is a comforting family dinner featuring a gooey cheddar center and a smoky-sweet BBQ glaze. It’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor and moisture)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs (plain or seasoned, or panko)
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 6 oz block-style cheddar cheese, cut into sticks or shredded (sharp or mild)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite style)
  • 1/4 cup extra cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in milk and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the egg and milk mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  5. Divide the meat mixture in half. Press half into the bottom of the pan, making a shallow trench down the center.
  6. Lay the cheddar cheese (sticks or shreds) along the trench.
  7. Top with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the cheese inside and smoothing the top.
  8. Brush or spoon about half of the BBQ sauce (1/4 cup) over the loaf.
  9. Bake for 40 minutes. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  10. Remove from oven, spread remaining BBQ sauce (and extra cheese, if using) over the top. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  12. Slice and serve warm, ensuring each piece has some of the cheesy center.

Notes

For best results, use block-style cheddar and avoid pre-shredded cheese. Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the loaf tender. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep the cheese from oozing out. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, and use gluten-free bread crumbs if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, BBQ, cheddar, stuffed, family dinner, comfort food, easy, beef, cheese, oven baked