Cheese sauced meatloaf;

A classic, comforting meatloaf smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce instead of the traditional tomato glaze.
Core Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf: 1.5-2 lbs ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, ½ cup milk, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper.

For the Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1.5 cups milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend), salt, pepper, pinch of paprika or dry mustard (optional).

Simplified Procedure:
--Make Meatloaf: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix all meatloaf ingredients in a bowl until just combined. Shape into a loaf in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until cooked through.
--Make Cheese Sauce: While meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season.
--Sauce & Finish: When meatloaf is done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Pour the warm cheese sauce generously over the top of the loaf.
--Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side. Pairs well with mashed potatoes and green vegetables.

Key Tip:
Let the meatloaf rest before adding the cheese sauce. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the sauce from becoming too greasy or sliding off a piping-hot loaf.