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Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Recipe

Looking to recreate your favorite Cheesecake Factory meatloaf at home? (I know I once was!).

This recipe combines the savory flavors of ground beef, pork, and veal, with a touch of rich mushroom gravy that ties it all together.

One key trick I’ll share first is to gently mix your meats; overworking can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that!

Balancing the caramelized onions and herbs will enhance the overall flavor.

cheesecake factory meatloaf feat

How to Make Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 lb Ground Pork
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Milk or Beef Broth
  • 1/2 Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion (chopped)
  • 1/3 cup Carrot (chopped)
  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

While it heats up, prepare your ingredients.

Step 2:

In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Sauté the green bell pepper, red onion, carrot, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until they soften.

Step 3:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the ground beef, ground pork, eggs, milk, and bread crumbs.

Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4:

Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

In a separate bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to make a glaze.

Step 5:

Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.

Bake the meatloaf for 50 minutes.

After this, remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top.

Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

cheesecake factory meatloaf with gravy

Don’t Overpack the Loaf:

Don’t press the mixture too tightly into the loaf pan as it might cause the meatloaf to stick and affect the texture.

Let It Rest:

After baking, give the meatloaf a chance to rest for around 10-15 minutes before cutting into it.

This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.

Get Creative with Add-Ins:

Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or celery to the mix.

These can provide additional flavors and nutrients.

Use a Meat Thermometer:

Checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F ensures the meatloaf is properly cooked and safe to eat.

Customize the Glaze:

If you prefer a sweeter or tangier glaze, adjust the balance of brown sugar and mustard to suit your taste preferences.

What to Serve with Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Recipe

Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with a classic side like mashed potatoes.

Their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the savory meatloaf, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Steamed Green Beans

Steamed green beans offer a fresh and vibrant contrast to the hearty meatloaf.

Add a little garlic butter for extra flavor, and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious side dish.

Glazed Carrots

For a touch of sweetness, try serving glazed carrots.

Their caramelized flavor adds a pleasant contrast to the savory notes of the meatloaf.

Couscous with Herbs & Lemon

For something a bit different, couscous with herbs and a splash of lemon can be a surprising companion to meatloaf.

The brightness of lemon zest and fresh herbs keeps the dish light and refreshing.

Spicy Sriracha Roasted Cauliflower

Spicy sriracha roasted cauliflower can add a kick to your meal!

The unique flavor and spice complement the richness of the meatloaf in an unexpected but appetizing way.

Variations and Substitutions

If you’re short on ingredients, don’t worry!

You can swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken.

They provide a leaner option and still taste fantastic.

Vegetable Choices

You might not have all the veggies on hand.

No problem!

Try adding mushrooms or zucchini for a delicious twist.

These add a unique texture and flavor.

Breadcrumb Alternatives

Run out of bread crumbs?

No worries!

Crushed crackers or oats work just as well in keeping your meatloaf together.

Spice Things Up

For a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

This adds a spicy kick that makes your meatloaf exciting.

Gluten-Free Option

Need a gluten-free version?

You can use almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs in place of regular ones.

Dairy-Free Suggestions

If dairy is off the menu, don’t fret!

Unsweetened almond milk or beef broth can be used instead of milk in the mixture.

How to Store Leftover Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Recipe

Wrap the meatloaf securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its moisture and flavor without letting air dry it out.

Consider storing each portion separately if you plan to use it in individual meals later.

For those times when fridge space is limited, try using airtight containers to help preserve the meatloaf.

Duration of Storage

You can safely keep leftover meatloaf in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

This approach gives you enough time to enjoy those tasty leftovers without worry.

Freezing for Longevity

If you aim to store your meatloaf for a longer period, freezing is the way to go.

Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container to help them stay delicious for up to 3 months.

Labeling is Key

Don’t forget to label the wrapped or packaged meatloaf with the date.

This simple step ensures you aren’t left guessing how long it’s been stored.

By following these easy steps, you’ll have perfectly stored leftovers, ready to enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid Lean Meats

Using lean meats can result in a dry and unappealing meatloaf.

You’ll want some fat content to keep it juicy!

I recommend using ground beef that’s 80% lean and 20% fat for the best texture.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing the meat can make your meatloaf dense and tough.

Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a tender loaf.

Think of it as gently coaxing the flavors together!

Give it Time to Rest

Skipping the resting period can cause your meatloaf to fall apart when slicing.

Let it sit for about 30 minutes after baking to hold its shape well.

This step helps everything settle and makes slicing much easier.

cheesecake factory meatloaf feat

Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Recipe

This recipe combines the savory flavors of ground beef, pork, and veal, with a touch of rich mushroom gravy that ties it all together.
One key trick is to gently mix your meats; overworking can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that!
Balancing the caramelized onions and herbs will enhance the overall flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Servings 6 people
Ingredients
  
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 lb Ground Pork
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Milk or Beef Broth
  • 1/2 Green Bell Pepper chopped
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion chopped
  • 1/3 cup Carrot chopped
  • 5 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
Instructions
 
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • While it heats up, prepare your ingredients.
  • In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
  • Sauté the green bell pepper, red onion, carrot, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until they soften.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the ground beef, ground pork, eggs, milk, and bread crumbs.
  • Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
  • In a separate bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to make a glaze.
  • Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
  • Bake the meatloaf for 50 minutes.
  • After this, remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top.
  • Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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