So happy I found my aunties' old recipe. I thought it was gone forever, but it's even better now!

This cheesy meatloaf recipe is one that's been passed down through the generations in our family, straight from my grandmother's farmhouse kitchen in the heart of the Midwest. Growing up, meatloaf was a Sunday staple, a comforting dish that brought everyone to the table, brimming with stories and laughter. The addition of cheese gives it an extra touch of indulgence and warmth. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike, this hearty and flavorful meatloaf will quickly become a beloved tradition in your own home.

This cheesy meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. For a complete nostalgic meal, you could also serve it with a slice of buttery cornbread and a dollop of sweet apple chutney on the side. A crisp garden salad with tangy vinaigrette adds a nice balance to the richness of the meatloaf, making for a dinner that satisfies both the heart and the soul.

Servings: 6-8 servings

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup ketchup
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to the bowl. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined.

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Mix again until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

If you like a bit of spice, try adding a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. For an Italian twist, swap the cheddar for mozzarella and add a tablespoon of chopped fresh basil. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, mix some brown sugar into the ketchup before spreading it over the meatloaf. And for a lighter version, ground turkey can be used in place of beef and pork—just be sure to keep the cheese for that signature creamy goodness.