Spicy Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience with a fiery twist! This **Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf** recipe is a game-changer, perfectly blending the nostalgic warmth of classic meatloaf with the zesty kick of buffalo sauce and an irresistible double dose of cheesy goodness. Forget everything you thought you knew about meatloaf – this isn’t your grandma’s dry, uninspired dinner. We’re talking about a spectacularly juicy, flavor-packed meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends.

Crafted with a robust combination of savory ground beef and flavorful pork sausage, this meatloaf delivers a depth of flavor that’s simply unparalleled. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Two types of cheese are intricately woven into the mixture and generously layered on top, creating pockets of melted delight in every bite. And, of course, the star of the show: buffalo sauce. It’s not just a topping; it’s integrated directly into the meatloaf blend, ensuring that spicy, tangy flavor permeates throughout, then brushed on top for a glorious, saucy glaze. Best of all, this incredible dish comes together with minimal effort, requiring only about 15 minutes of active prep time before the oven does the rest of the work. Get ready to redefine your comfort food cravings!

The Inspiration Behind the Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf

The creation of this incredible Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf stemmed from a desire to elevate a beloved party appetizer into a hearty main course. Inspired by the wildly popular Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls from WhitneyBond.com, the goal was to transform those irresistible flavors into a satisfying dinner version. The result? A meatloaf that’s not just a meal, but an experience. It’s a testament to how classic comfort food can be reimagined with a dash of spice and a whole lot of cheese, making it a guaranteed family favorite that will grace your dinner table time and time again.

Why This Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf Stands Out

This isn’t just any meatloaf; it’s a culinary masterpiece that truly stands apart from its traditional counterparts. While many associate meatloaf with a somewhat bland, often dry, and utilitarian dish, our Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf shatters those preconceptions. From the very first bite, you’ll discover a texture that is remarkably juicy and tender, a direct result of the thoughtful blend of ground beef and pork sausage, complemented by the creamy richness of cream cheese. The flavor profile is bold and dynamic, with the tangy heat of buffalo sauce perfectly balanced by the sharp, comforting taste of cheddar cheese.

Every slice reveals not just a perfectly cooked loaf, but also pockets of melted cheese, creating a delightful surprise in each mouthful. The buffalo sauce, incorporated both within the meat mixture and as a glorious glaze on top, ensures that the distinctive spicy and tangy notes are present from the inside out. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture, transforming a humble dish into a gourmet delight. It’s so good, you might find yourself adding it to your weekly dinner rotation, eagerly anticipating each cheesy, spicy, and utterly satisfying forkful. Prepare yourself for the ultimate comfort food, reimagined and perfected!

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf

Creating an exceptional meatloaf begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component in this recipe plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each choice matters:

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the aromatics. While olive oil is preferred for its flavor, feel free to substitute with other neutral vegetable oils like avocado or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand.
• Onion: A finely diced yellow onion provides a sweet, neutral base that caramelizes beautifully when cooked, adding depth and a subtle sweetness to the meatloaf. Pre-cooking is key to ensure it becomes tender and integrates seamlessly into the mixture without affecting texture.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves are non-negotiable for the best flavor. They infuse the meatloaf with a pungent, aromatic punch that perfectly complements the rich meats and spicy buffalo sauce.
• Pork Sausage: Opt for loose pork sausage, not links. This ingredient is a secret weapon, contributing immense flavor and juiciness. For an authentic spicy kick that harmonizes with the buffalo sauce, hot sausage is recommended. However, if you prefer a milder profile, a mild pork sausage works just as well.
• Ground Beef: To achieve a tender and supremely juicy meatloaf, an 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal. The fat content is crucial for keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful, preventing it from drying out during baking.
• Egg: A single large egg acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and ensuring the meatloaf maintains its shape and structure throughout the cooking process.
• Breadcrumbs: Both traditional plain breadcrumbs or panko bread crumbs can be used. Breadcrumbs help absorb moisture, keeping the meatloaf from becoming too dense and adding to its tender texture. For those following a keto or low-carb diet, pork panko is an excellent gluten-free and low-carb alternative.
• Cream Cheese: This is where the “cheesy” truly begins! Softened cream cheese adds an incredible creaminess and richness to the meatloaf, making it unbelievably moist and decadent. It melts beautifully, creating pockets of lusciousness.
• Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese is used both in the meatloaf mixture and as a glorious topping. For the best melt and texture, always shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Buffalo Sauce: The heart and soul of this recipe. It infuses the meatloaf with its signature tangy, spicy flavor. Having experimented with many brands, Frank’s RedHot remains a personal favorite for its consistent flavor and heat, but feel free to use your preferred brand. Ensure it’s gluten-free if catering to dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf

Follow these easy steps to create your mouth-watering Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf. For specific ingredient amounts, refer to the full recipe details typically found in a recipe card below:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the onion and garlic mixture aside to cool slightly.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the raw pork sausage, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, softened and cubed cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of buffalo sauce.
4. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the bowl with the meat and cheese.
5. Using your clean hands (or a sturdy spatula), gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
6. Press the meat mixture evenly into an 8-inch square pan or a standard loaf pan. For ideal grease drainage and easy slicing, a square springform pan or a loaf pan with a drain tray insert is highly recommended.
7. Place the pan with the cheesy meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Brush the top generously with the remaining ¼ cup of buffalo sauce to create a delicious glaze, then sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
10. Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and cohesive meatloaf that won’t crumble when cut. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped basil or green onions before serving for an extra touch of freshness and color.

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Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf

This Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf recipe is perfect when you’re in the mood for a comfort food meal with a kick of spice and plenty of cheesy goodness! It’s made with a combination of ground beef and pork sausage, and two types of cheese. Buffalo sauce is added to the meatloaf mixture and spread on top for a saucy, cheesy meatloaf recipe that’s easy to make with only 15 minutes of hands-on time.

Servings:

6
people

Prep Time:

15 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

40 minutes
mins

Total Time:

55 minutes
mins

Author:

Whitney Bond

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Ingredients

• 1
  tablespoon
  olive oil
• 1
  cup
  onion,
  diced
• 6
  cloves
  garlic,
  minced
• 1
  pound
  pork sausage,
  hot or mild
• 1
  pound
  ground beef
• 1
  large egg
• ½
  cup
  breadcrumbs
• 8
  ounce
  cream cheese,
  softened and cubed
• 1 ½
  cups
  cheddar cheese,
  shredded – divided
• ¾
  cup
  buffalo sauce,
  divided

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onions, cook for 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Add the pork sausage, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese and ½ cup buffalo sauce to a large bowl.
• Add the cooked onion and garlic mixture.
• Use your hands, or a spatula, to combine everything gently, then press the mixture evenly into an 8-inch square pan, or loaf pan.
• Place the pan of cheesy meatloaf in the preheated oven and cook for 25 minutes.
• Remove from the oven, brush with the additional ¼ cup buffalo sauce and generously top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.
• Place back into the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• I love to use this square springform pan to make this meatloaf. You can easily pop off the sides after the meatloaf is baked and slice it up. Any grease drains out into the lip around the bottom of the pan, instead of pooling on top of, or around the meatloaf. You can also use this loaf pan with a drain tray insert that will do the same thing. If using a loaf pan, you may have to cook it for an extra 5-10 minutes, because it will be thicker than if you use a square pan. Always cook meatloaf to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• If you don’t have a square pan, or loaf pan, freeform the meatloaf into a loaf shape, then place it on a foil lined rimmed baking sheet. Follow the other instructions as listed in this recipe.
• This meatloaf has a medium spice level from the hot sausage and buffalo sauce. To make it mild, use mild pork sausage and mild buffalo sauce.
• To spice up this meatloaf even more, use extra hot or hot buffalo sauce. Replace the cheddar cheese with a spicy cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
• To make this meatloaf recipe gluten-free, substitute in gluten-free breadcrumbs. Always make sure the buffalo sauce used is gluten-free. Frank’s RedHot, as seen in this post, is gluten-free!
• To make this recipe low carb and perfect for those on a keto diet, substitute in pork panko for the breadcrumbs. This will reduce the total carbs per serving from 13 grams, down to 6 grams and the net carbs down to 5 grams per serving.
• Stored in an airtight container, cheesy meatloaf leftovers will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To reheat slices of the leftover meatloaf, place a slice of meatloaf on a plate and microwave for 2 minutes. Or pan fry a slice of meatloaf in a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through.
• To reheat a whole meatloaf, or half of the meatloaf, instead of slices, place it on a baking sheet and loosely cover with foil. Reheat the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving
4
serving



Calories
751
kcal
(38%)



Carbohydrates
13
g
(4%)



Protein
36
g
(72%)



Fat
61
g
(94%)



Saturated Fat
26
g
(130%)



Polyunsaturated Fat
5
g



Monounsaturated Fat
23
g



Trans Fat
1
g



Cholesterol
202
mg
(67%)



Sodium
1833
mg
(76%)



Potassium
542
mg
(15%)



Fiber
1
g
(4%)



Sugar
3
g
(3%)



Vitamin A
888
mg
(18%)



Vitamin C
3
mg
(4%)



Calcium
289
mg
(29%)



Iron
3
mg
(17%)

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