Have you ever wondered how to make the famous Cheesecake Factory meatloaf at home? You’re in luck because I’m about to share how to create a delicious and juicy meatloaf that will impress your family and friends.

This recipe uses ground beef, pork, vegetables, and a sweet and tangy glaze to bring out amazing flavors.

A platter of meatloaf, topped with rich gravy and served with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans, sits on a white porcelain plate

What I love about this dish is how easy it is to make while still tasting like a special treat.

By following a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering meatloaf ready to serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.

The combination of ingredients like carrots, onions, and garlic adds a rich depth that makes this recipe stand out.

Let’s get started on this exciting kitchen adventure and recreate the favorite Cheesecake Factory meatloaf! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and sure to become a family favorite.

Key Takeaways

Learn how to make a delicious meatloaf with ground beef and pork.
Follow easy, step-by-step instructions for baking.
Impress friends and family with a flavorful homemade dish.

Essential Ingredients for Meatloaf

Creating the perfect meatloaf means choosing the right mix of meats, vegetables, aromatics, binders, and seasonings. Each component plays a specific role in giving the meatloaf its flavor and texture.

Meat Selection

For a flavorful and juicy meatloaf, I often use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.

The ground beef provides the bulk and the necessary fats, while ground pork adds extra juicy flavor. Sometimes, I even throw in a bit of Italian sausage or ground veal for a richer taste.

Lean ground beef is a great option if you’re watching fat content.

Each type of meat brings its unique texture and flavor, making the meatloaf robust and hearty.

Balancing these meat types can make or break the dish, so choose wisely based on your flavor preference and dietary needs. Whether using ground sirloin, ground turkey, or a mix, ensure the meat is fresh and of good quality.

Vegetable and Aromatics

Vegetables and aromatics are key players in adding depth and flavor.

I always start with finely chopped onions and garlic. These two bring a warm, savory undertone that permeates the meat.

Bell peppers, both green and red bell peppers, add a sweet crunch.

Carrots are another great choice, adding a mild sweetness.

Heating these ingredients in a little vegetable oil softens them, releasing their flavors.

In a meatloaf, vegetables not only add taste but also help keep the meat mixture moist. Plus, they make biting into the meatloaf more interesting with varied textures and flavors.

Binding Agents and Seasonings

The binders and seasonings are what help hold the meatloaf together while infusing it with flavor.

Eggs are my go-to binder as they mix well and add moisture.

Along with eggs, breadcrumbs or panko work to absorb some of the juices, ensuring the loaf stays firm but not dry.

For seasoning, salt and pepper are essential.

Adding herbs like parsley, thyme, and oregano brings freshness.

Don’t forget about the tomato sauce or ketchup for a tangy sweetness.

Sometimes I add a bit of all-purpose flour to maintain structure. Finish with some grated parmesan for an unexpected cheesy depth.

These ingredients work together to create a balanced, delicious meatloaf that sticks together but stays tender.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to prepare Cheesecake Factory-style meatloaf with a delectable glaze. I’ll walk you through mixing the ingredients, shaping and baking, and creating that perfect glaze.

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture

First, we need to sauté the vegetables.

In a pan, I finely chop onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers. After they are soft and fragrant, I set them aside to cool.

In a large bowl, I combine the sautéed vegetables with ground beef, ground pork, eggs, and milk or beef broth.

I often use my hands to mix everything well, ensuring the blend is even.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This step is key to having a well-seasoned meatloaf.

Shaping and Baking

Once the meatloaf mixture is ready, I shape it into a loaf.

I prefer to do this on a baking sheet or loaf pan. If using a loaf pan, it’s important to not press the meat too hard, which might make it stick.

I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough when I start baking.

I then place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for an hour.

Covering it with foil for the first 30 minutes helps it cook evenly without drying out.

Once the cook time is up, I let it rest for about 30 minutes outside the oven before slicing.

Making the Glaze

While the meatloaf bakes, I make the glaze.

In a small bowl, I whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cider or red wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.

Sometimes, I add a little mustard or honey for extra flavor.

About 10 minutes before the meatloaf is done, I brush this glaze over the top.

I then return it to the oven and let it broil for a few minutes.

This step gives the meatloaf a tasty, caramelized crust that really complements the savory flavors inside.

Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Copycat

Recipe by kitcheneasylifeCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hour

This recipe is perfect for a hearty family dinner, delivering all the delicious flavors you love from the Cheesecake Factory right to your home!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, green and red bell peppers, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overwork the mixture.
Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing down gently to shape it into a loaf.
Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve:
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gathered some answers to common questions about the Cheesecake Factory meatloaf. This includes ingredients, secrets to making it great, and customer reviews.

What ingredients are in the Cheesecake Factory meatloaf?

The Cheesecake Factory meatloaf contains ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onions, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, eggs, and milk or beef broth.

For the glaze, it typically uses ketchup, brown sugar, cider or red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

What is the secret to a great meatloaf?

A great meatloaf needs a good balance of meat and vegetables.

Sautéing the vegetables before mixing them with the meat helps release their flavors. Using both ground beef and ground pork adds richness.

Don’t forget a flavorful glaze to top it off.

How many calories are in a Cheesecake Factory meatloaf slice?

A slice of Cheesecake Factory meatloaf contains about 300 to 400 calories, depending on the exact ingredients and portion size.

This number includes the meat mixture and the glaze.

Is the Cheesecake Factory’s meatloaf recipe available online?

Yes, there are several versions of the Cheesecake Factory meatloaf recipe available online.

You can find detailed instructions on sites like Table for Seven and Food.com.

What makes the Cheesecake Factory’s meatloaf stand out?

What sets it apart is its rich blend of vegetables and meats, and the unique glaze.

The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers adds depth, while the glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce provides a sweet and tangy finish.

How do customer reviews rate the Cheesecake Factory meatloaf?

Many customers praise the Cheesecake Factory meatloaf for its moist texture and flavorful taste.

According to reviews on various sites, it is considered one of their standout dishes. Many appreciate its unique blend of ingredients and satisfying glaze.