Cheese Lava Meatloaf — Juicy Beef with a Molten Cheese Core

🧀🔥 Cheese Lava Meatloaf — Juicy Beef with a Molten Cheese Core 🍖😋

Cut it open and watch the cheese erupt! This juicy, flavor-packed meatloaf is loaded with gooey mozzarella and cheddar that flows like lava with every slice.

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

1 cup breadcrumbs

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup finely diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup ketchup

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, cut into thick sticks or chunks

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Topping:

1/3 cup ketchup

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp mustard

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet or lightly grease a loaf pan.

2️⃣ Mix the Meat

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.

3️⃣ Shape the Base

Divide the mixture in half. Shape one half into a flat loaf on the prepared pan.

4️⃣ Add the Cheese Lava

Place mozzarella sticks or chunks down the center of the base, leaving space around the edges. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the mozzarella.

5️⃣ Seal the Meatloaf

Cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges tightly to fully enclose the cheese. Shape into a loaf.

6️⃣ Prepare the Topping

Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

7️⃣ Bake to Perfection

Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is caramelized.

8️⃣ Rest & Slice

Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep the cheese molten but controlled. Slice and watch the cheese ooze out—pure lava goodness!