🍽️ Easy Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe
⏲️ Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
⏲️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
⏲️ Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🥩 Description:
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, where soccer practice and work leave little time for elaborate meals. With just a handful of ingredients, this easy cheesy meatloaf comes together effortlessly, making it a go-to option for hectic evenings. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, ready to be popped into the oven whenever hunger strikes. The best part? It’s so delicious that leftovers are a rarity!
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups reserved shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
📋 Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, and breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined.
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Shape Loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
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Optional Covering: If desired, cover the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning.
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Add Cheese: After the initial baking time, remove the foil (if used) and sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meatloaf.
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Melt Cheese: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking, uncovered, until the cheese melts and turns nicely golden.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
🔍 Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 602
- Fat Content: 32.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 16.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 155.1mg
- Sodium Content: 1132.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 25.8g
- Fiber Content: 2.7g
- Sugar Content: 4.8g
- Protein Content: 49.6g
Indulge in this easy cheesy meatloaf for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s sure to please the whole family!