Some dinners just hit different — and this cheesy garlic butter meatloaf is one of them. Juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef is baked until tender, then finished with a golden blanket of melted mozzarella and a generous brush of savory garlic butter. It’s comfort food at its finest: simple to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-juicy and tender — milk, egg, and breadcrumbs keep every slice moist and flavorful
- Irresistible cheesy garlic butter topping — melty mozzarella meets rich, savory garlic butter
- Easy weeknight-friendly prep — simple pantry ingredients, one pan, minimal fuss
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser — nostalgic comfort food that kids and adults both love
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup, plus more for serving (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, half the minced garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — don’t overmix, or the meatloaf will turn out dense.
- Shape and bake: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish or lined loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
- Make the garlic butter topping: While the meatloaf bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Remove from the heat.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Brush the garlic butter generously all over the hot meatloaf, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Creamy mashed potatoes or crispy garlic-roasted potatoes
- Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad
- Warm dinner rolls — perfect for soaking up every bit of garlicky butter
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep beautifully. Store sliced meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
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