This Cream Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is moist, tender, and yes — stuffed with cream cheese. Who could resist a cheesy meatloaf? Stuffed meatloaf beats dry meatloaf any day.
Originally posted April 4, 2018
We took the kids camping for the weekend and survived — a small victory worth celebrating. I was pretty proud after hiking six hours through Redwood National Forest with my 5- and 7-year-olds. The secret for hiking with kids? A steady supply of Jolly Ranchers: seldom a complaint when a sweet treat is offered.
After we returned and were unpacking, our neighbor Emile stopped by with some Easter treats. Emile grew up in Armenia and told us stories about shepherding for his grandfather — taking hundreds of sheep out to pasture, walking long miles in a day, and once facing wolves with his brave little dog. Those stories certainly put my weekend adventures into perspective.
We technically “camped” in a rustic cabin — no bathroom or kitchen, but it had lights and a heater. That made camping much more enjoyable, especially with a young child who doesn’t keep blankets on through the night.
How to make Cream Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf
I prepared this Cream Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf before we left and it was fantastic. A friend mentioned cream cheese-stuffed meatloaf last summer and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. When I finally tried a version, the result exceeded my expectations.
Dry meatloaf is the worst — like chewing cardboard. This version avoids that entirely. The cream cheese melts into a luscious center while the meat stays moist. I kept the seasoning simple so the cream cheese can shine. I usually avoid ketchup, but the tang works beautifully with the creamy filling.
This recipe is easy: mix the ingredients, assemble, and bake. It took about 10 minutes to prepare. I served the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
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One year ago: Mandarin Orange Ambrosia Salad
Two years ago: Garlic Roasted Artichokes with Pesto Dipping Sauce
Six years ago: Mashed Potatoes (From Heaven)
Cream Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 cups onion, 2 medium, chopped
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley, or 1 T fresh parsley
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup ketchup, for the top
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or use foil and spray with nonstick spray.
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In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the cream cheese and ketchup.
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Cut the cream cheese into large chunks and set aside.
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Use your hands to gently combine the meat mixture. Mix only until everything is incorporated—avoid overmixing.
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Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan and pat it into a large rectangle.
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Arrange the cream cheese chunks down the center lengthwise.
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Fold the long sides of the meat over the cream cheese and seal the edges by pinching and shaping the meatloaf so it holds together.
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Spread ketchup over the top to your liking.
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Bake at 350°F for 40–50 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center (not the cheese) reads 160°F.
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Remove from the oven and let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
1770 House Meatloaf << a favorite comfort food, inspired by Ina Garten.
Turkey Meatloaf with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce << an old favorite.
Easy Baked Meatballs << a reliable recipe to keep in the freezer.
Raspberry Balsamic Meatballs (Slow Cooker) << great for appetizers or dinner.
Other stuffed meatloaf ideas you might enjoy
Cheesy Meatloaf from Culinary Hill
Feta-Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf with Tzatziki Sauce from All Day I Dream About Food
Cheese Stuffed Taco Meatloaf from Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen
Easy Pizza Meatloaf from A Mindful Mom