Creamy Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf with Baby Potatoes
There’s something so comforting about a meatloaf dinner — the kind that makes the whole house smell like home. This version is extra cozy because it has a hidden layer of melty cheese tucked right inside, so when you slice into it, you get that warm, gooey surprise in the middle. Add a tray of roasted baby potatoes around the edges (crispy on the outside, soft in the center), and it turns into the kind of meal that feels like a Sunday dinner… even if it’s just a regular Tuesday.
And the creamy sauce? It’s the final “blanket on a rainy day” touch. Rich, savory, and perfect for spooning over everything on the plate.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf
1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 small onion, finely grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup milk
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone (for stuffing)
For the potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1½ pounds baby potatoes
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the creamy sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
To finish
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Get the potatoes started
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the baby potatoes with olive oil, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper. Spread them around the outer edges of a large baking dish, leaving the center open for the meatloaf. They’ll roast while the meatloaf bakes and soak up all the good savory aromas.
2. Mix up the meatloaf
In a big bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated onion, minced garlic, milk, ketchup, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently — just until everything comes together. (Overmixing can make meatloaf dense, and we want tender slices.)
3. Stuff it with cheese
Press half of the meat mixture into the center of the baking dish, shaping it into a loaf base. Sprinkle the shredded cheese down the middle, leaving a little border around the edges so it doesn’t escape. Top with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges well. Give it a quick smoothing on top, like you’re tucking it in.
4. Bake until golden and cozy
Bake uncovered for 55–60 minutes, until the meatloaf is browned and reaches 160°F (71°C) inside, and the potatoes are fork-tender. Your kitchen should smell ridiculously good by now.
5. Make the creamy sauce
While everything bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute — it should look like a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly so it stays silky. Stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder. Let it simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Rest, then serve
When the meatloaf comes out, let it rest for 10 minutes. This keeps the juices in and helps the slices hold together (and gives the cheese a minute to settle so it doesn’t all rush out at once). Spoon the creamy sauce over the meatloaf and around the potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, then slice and serve.
Presentation
For a really pretty plate, slice the meatloaf and fan the pieces slightly so that cheesy center shows. Nestle the roasted baby potatoes around it, then drizzle the creamy sauce over everything like you’re finishing a restaurant dish. A little extra parsley on top makes it look bright and fresh — and if you want to be extra, a tiny pinch of paprika over the sauce adds a warm pop of color.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 80 minutes
🔥 Kcal: ~560 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
This is the kind of dinner that makes people wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?” It’s hearty, creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully comforting — with those roasted potatoes doing the perfect supporting role. If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a treat without being fussy, this one’s calling your name. Try it soon… and don’t be surprised if it becomes a repeat request.
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍳 Cooking Time: 60 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 80 minutes
🔥 Calories: ~560 kcal per serving
🍽️ Servings: 6