Cheesy Garlic Butter Meatloaf – Juicy, Oven-Baked Comfort Food
Cheesy Garlic Butter Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. This indulgent yet easy homemade meatloaf is baked until tender and juicy, then topped with a rich garlic butter sauce and melted cheese that bubbles into every crevice. Perfectly seasoned, deeply savory, and irresistibly moist, this dish transforms a classic family dinner into a restaurant-quality meal.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly dinner, a high-protein comfort food, or a crowd-pleasing recipe for weeknights, this cheesy meatloaf delivers flavor, satisfaction, and nostalgia all in one pan.
Why This Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe Works
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Ultra-juicy texture thanks to butter, milk, and breadcrumbs
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High-protein dinner that keeps you full longer
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Rich garlic butter flavor with melted cheese topping
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Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
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Ideal for meal prep, family dinners, and leftovers
What Makes This Meatloaf Special?
Unlike traditional meatloaf recipes that rely heavily on ketchup-based glaze, this version uses a savory garlic butter and cheese topping. As it bakes, the butter melts into the meat, creating a self-basting effect, while the cheese forms a golden, bubbly crust that locks in moisture.
This makes it one of the most searched comfort meals under:
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Best homemade meatloaf recipe
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Cheesy meatloaf oven baked
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Juicy meatloaf without ketchup
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Meatloaf
For the Meatloaf:
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2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
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1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
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¾ cup milk
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2 large eggs
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Butter Cheese Topping:
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 2 minutes. Add eggs, onion, garlic, seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and ground beef. Mix gently until just combined.
Tip: Overmixing makes meatloaf dense—use your hands lightly.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan, shaping evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter Topping
In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and shredded cheese.
Step 5: Finish Baking
Remove meatloaf from the oven. Pour garlic butter mixture evenly over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Garlic Butter Meatloaf pairs perfectly with:
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Roasted green beans or asparagus
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Garlic butter rice
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Steamed broccoli
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Cauliflower mash for low-carb diets
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
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Calories: 480–520
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Protein: 32–38g
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Fat: 34g
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Carbohydrates: 10–14g
This makes it a high-protein comfort meal, ideal for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Variations and Customizations
Low-Carb / Keto Meatloaf
Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Chicken or Turkey Version
Use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner meatloaf option.
Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf
Add cheese to the center of the loaf for a gooey surprise.
Spicy Meatloaf
Add chili flakes or jalapeños for heat.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
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Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
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Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months
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Reheat gently in oven or microwave with foil cover
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overmixing the meat
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Using ultra-lean beef (causes dryness)
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Skipping resting time before slicing
Related Questions (High-CPM SEO Keywords)
What is the secret to a moist meatloaf?
Using milk-soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, and butter ensures juicy meatloaf texture.
Is cheesy meatloaf healthy?
In moderation, cheesy meatloaf can be part of a balanced high-protein diet.
Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes. Meatloaf is ideal for meal prep and freezer meals.
What cheese is best for meatloaf?
Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan are top choices for melting and flavor.
Can meatloaf be keto-friendly?
Absolutely. Use low-carb binders and full-fat cheese.
Why does my meatloaf fall apart?
Insufficient binding ingredients like eggs or breadcrumbs cause crumbling.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Garlic Butter Meatloaf is the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into a comforting, crave-worthy dinner. With its rich flavors, golden cheesy topping, and tender texture, it’s no surprise this dish ranks high among family dinner ideas, comfort food recipes, and high-protein meals.
