Add a Homey Flair to the Signature Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Recipe (2024)

Published: 10/26/2022 | Updated: 03/07/2024

The Cheesecake Factory’s meatloaf is one of the most popular meatloaves in America. The juicy deliciousness of the meatloaf and the flavorful sauce on top of it makes it an unforgettable meal. This meatloaf recipe is a must-have for every meat lover.

That said, replicating the exact Cheesecake Factory meatloaf recipe is nearly impossible, but why not create your version of this meaty delight? So, without further ado, let’s dive into how you can prepare a homestyle Cheesecake Factory meatloaf.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Resting Time: 30 minutes

Total Time Required: 1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients for the Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf

• Ground beef- 1 pound
• Ground pork- 2 pounds
• Diced green bell pepper- 2
• Shredded carrots- ⅓ cup
• Minced onions- ½ cup
• Minced garlic- 3 cloves
• Dry breadcrumbs- ¼ cup
• Large eggs- 3
• Milk- ½ cup
• Salt- 1 teaspoon
• Lemon juice- 1 tablespoon
• Black pepper- 1 teaspoon
• Granulated Sugar- A pinch
• Paprika- ½ teaspoon
• Oregano- 1 teaspoon
• Fresh thyme- For seasoning

All the ingredients of the meatloaf preparation increase its flavor and make it taste close to the original recipe. First, the ground beef and pork pair up very well and give a special flavor to the meatloaf.

Adding garlic and onions is a must while cooking meat to add an earthy and sweet flavor to the dish. Plus, the minced onion increases the juiciness of the meatloaf.

Carrots and bell peppers enhance the meatloaf’s nutritious value and make it look delectable. Then seasonings like black pepper, salt, oregano, thyme, and paprika further enhance the flavor.

Ingredients for Mushroom Gravy

• Sliced mushrooms- 1 ½ cups
• Butter- 2 tablespoons
• Minced garlic- 1 teaspoon
• All-purpose flour- 2 tablespoons
• Beef broth- 1 3/4 cups
• Black pepper- 1 teaspoon
• Minced parsley- 1 sprig

This mouthwatering mushroom gravy boosts the delectable juiciness of the meatloaf. All the ingredients of this mushroom gravy have a significant role in the flavoring or consistency of the gravy. Firstly, adding butter to the gravy preparation offers it silky smoothness and rich thickness.

Second, the presence of garlic adds a distinguishing buttery and earthy flavor to the gravy. Plus, adding just a few cloves of garlic offers numerous health benefits.

Third, comes the all-purpose flour. Flour increases the thickness of the gravy-like no ingredient can do. A pro tip is not to add flour all at once; instead, add a bit of flour while stirring the gravy until you get the required thickness.

The next ingredient is beef broth. Adding beef broth strengthens the basic flavor of the gravy to the extent that its flavor will further enhance the meatloaf’s taste. Then we have freshly ground black pepper that will improve the flavors and add spiciness to the meatloaf.

For a refreshing flavor, add dried thyme or parsley at the end. And yes, don’t forget to add mushrooms to the mushroom sauce.

Cooking Tools and Equipment Needed

• Non-stick skillet
• 9 x 5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Wooden spoon
• Stainless steel knife

How to Prepare a Homestyle Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf

• Saute All the Veggies

First, take a skillet and add two tablespoons of oil. Heat the oil and add minced onion, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers. Saute all these ingredients for a couple of minutes until all get softened. Then keep this veggie mixture aside.

• Prepare the Meatloaf Batter

Next comes the preparation of the meatloaf batter. To prepare the batter, take a large mixing bowl and beat eggs. Then add all the ingredients into the beaten eggs, including beef, pork, salt, milk, oregano, thyme, black pepper, paprika, lemon juice, and granulated sugar.

Take a wooden spatula or use your hands to mix all these ingredients well. After thoroughly mixing and folding all the ingredients, coat this mixture with breadcrumbs.

• Bake the Meatloaf

Now comes the time to make the meatloaf. For this step, take a loaf pan and grease it with butter. Put the beef mixture in this loaf pan, and press it gently. Avoid pushing it too hard; the meatloaf could get stuck and be a challenge to remove later.

Preheat the oven. Then bake the meatloaf in the oven for an hour. After the meatloaf is cooked well, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Meantime, prepare the mushroom gravy.

• Make the Gravy

To prepare mushroom gravy, take the sauteed vegetables and heat them in the butter. Then add garlic and onion and cook all the ingredients for a minute or two. Add the beef broth to this veggie mixture. Then add flour while continuously whisking everything for a couple of minutes.

When the gravy changes its color to brown, add seasoning, including salt, dried oregano, and pepper. Cook everything for another 10 minutes until the required consistency of the gravy is achieved.

• Serve Hot

Have everything ready before serving the meatloaf. First, preheat the broiler. Put cooked meatloaf for a couple of minutes in it to heat it. Then, cut the meatloaf into thick slices with a sharp knife. Drizzle the rich and delicious mushroom gravy on the meatloaf slices and garnish the final dish with freshly minced parsley.

Nutritional Fact Sheet of Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf

• Saturated Fat: 48 grams
• Carbohydrates: 117 grams
• Protein: 70 grams
• Cholesterol: 4200 milligrams
• Dietary Fibers: 20 grams
• Calories: 1600 kcal
• Sodium: 2700 milligrams

Wrapping Up

Now you’re ready to make your own Cheesecake Factory meatloaf! Get into the cooking mode, light up the stove, and get on making this delicious homemade version of the Cheesecake Factory meatloaf recipe. The signature Cheesecake Factory meatloaf’s taste is challenging to replicate, but this unique version will get you very close to the original flavor.

Everyone who has a taste of this meatloaf will crave seconds. Thanks to its juicy tenderness and unique flavoring that is similar to the original recipe.

By selecting the fresh meat in the correct ration and adding the right seasonings, you can make your own healthier version of the Cheesecake Factory meatloaf at home. Enjoy your feast!