Spinach Blue Cheese Meatloaf

Name: Spinach Blue Cheese Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food

I love making meatloaf, and this Spinach Blue Cheese version has quickly become a favorite in our household. The combination of savory spinach and tangy blue cheese adds a unique twist that elevates the traditional dish. It’s a delightful way to sneak in some greens while enjoying the comforting flavors of meatloaf. Whether you're serving it for dinner or saving leftovers for sandwiches, this recipe will have you going back for seconds—trust me, it’s that good!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:30:27.908Z

When I first experimented with adding spinach and blue cheese to my meatloaf, I was blown away by how much flavor these ingredients brought to the table. The savory notes of the beef beautifully complement the creamy texture of the blue cheese, while the spinach offers a fresh crunch that balances everything out. It took quite a few tries to perfect the proportions, but now I can't imagine making meatloaf any other way!

One of my favorite tips is to sauté the spinach with garlic before incorporating it into the meat mixture. This small step intensifies the flavor and ensures that the spinach stays tender during baking. If you’re hesitant about the blue cheese, feel free to reduce the amount for a milder taste—either way, you’ll end up with a delicious dish that everyone will love!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty flavor with a creamy, tangy twist
Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach
A comforting classic that feels gourmet
Quick and easy to make for any night of the week

The Role of Spinach in Meatloaf

Spinach not only contributes to the flavor profile of this meatloaf but also provides a nutritional boost. When sautéed, spinach wilts and melds into the meat mixture, offering moisture and avoiding a dry texture. I recommend cooking it just until the leaves are bright green; this will preserve some nutrients while enhancing their flavor. Plus, the vibrant green flecks in the meatloaf make for an inviting presentation.

If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the mix. Fresh spinach, though, will give you a better texture and flavor, ensuring that your meatloaf maintains a gourmet feel.

Choosing the Right Cheese

Blue cheese stands out as a savory addition, transforming an ordinary meatloaf into something extraordinary. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor intricately blend with the richness of the beef. However, if you're not a fan of blue cheese or if you're cooking for someone who is, you can swap it for feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor without compromising on the creaminess.

When crumbling the blue cheese, ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing. This will help the cheese incorporate evenly throughout the meatloaf, providing bursts of flavor with each bite. If you desire a stronger blue cheese flavor, feel free to increase the quantity slightly, keeping in mind to balance it with the other strong ingredients.

Expert Tips for Meatloaf Success

Getting the texture right is crucial for a successful meatloaf. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so when combining your ingredients, mix gently until just combined. This will typically only take a minute or two. If your mixture feels too wet, adding a bit more breadcrumbs can help to bind it without drying it out. Start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Resting the meatloaf after baking is an essential step often overlooked. This allows the juices to redistribute, making your slices moist and easier to cut. If you encounter leftovers, they store well in an airtight container for up to three days, or you can freeze slices individually for up to three months. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for best results.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start:

Meatloaf Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything ready for the best experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your meatloaf:

Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare spinach

In a small skillet, sauté the chopped spinach with a touch of olive oil and minced garlic until wilted. Set aside to cool.

Mix ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed spinach, blue cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Shape meatloaf

Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

Rest and serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your homemade Spinach Blue Cheese Meatloaf!

Pro Tips

For an added burst of flavor, consider topping your meatloaf with a mix of ketchup and brown sugar during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Blue Cheese Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables to enhance the overall dish's brightness. The tangy flavor of the meatloaf complements a variety of sauces as well; a balsamic reduction or a simple gravy can elevate the dish even further.

For those who enjoy sandwiches, leftovers can be transformed into a delightful meatloaf sandwich. Simply slice the meatloaf and place it between two pieces of good bread, along with some fresh greens and a smear of mayonnaise or mustard for an easy, flavorful lunch.

Making Ahead

This meatloaf can easily be prepared in advance. You can assemble the mixture up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can form the meatloaf and freeze it unbaked. When you're ready to cook, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Additionally, if you’d like to test out different flavors, try adding spices or fresh herbs to the mix, such as thyme or rosemary, to enhance the flavor profile. These variations can add depth and make each meatloaf a little different.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with meatloaf is dryness, which can occur if you overbake or use lean cuts of beef. To prevent this, keep an eye on the internal temperature, using a meat thermometer, and remove it from the oven at 160°F (70°C). Allowing it to rest afterward will also help maintain moisture.

If your meatloaf falls apart when slicing, this could be due to not enough binding ingredients like breadcrumbs or egg. Consider adding a little more of these next time, or ensure you're mixing thoroughly enough to help the loaf hold its shape. The right mixture and method will guarantee that your meatloaf remains intact when it's time to serve.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the meatloaf?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What should I serve with this meatloaf?

It's delicious with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.