Football Meatloaf

Score a touchdown at your dinner table with this creative and delicious Football Meatloaf! Perfect for game day celebrations or family dinners, this recipe takes classic meatloaf to the next level by shaping it into a football and decorating it with cheesy "laces" using string cheese. A rich blend of ground beef and Italian sausage ensures a juicy and flavorful base, while Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and barbecue sauce add a tangy-sweet glaze that’s hard to resist. Packed with pantry staples like breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, and onions, this easy-to-make dish delivers ultimate comfort food vibes in every savory bite. Whether you're impressing a crowd or cozying up with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, this Football Meatloaf is guaranteed to be the MVP of your mealtime lineup!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 0.5 pounds Italian sausage
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 0.33 cups ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups barbecue sauce
• 2 sticks string cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 3

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into an oval that resembles the shape of a football, making sure the loaf is evenly thick for consistent cooking.

Step 4

Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.

Step 5

Slice the string cheese sticks lengthwise into thin strips. Arrange the strips on top of the meatloaf to form the laces of a football. Start with one long horizontal strip in the center, then add shorter vertical strips to mimic real football laces.

Step 6

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 7

Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape and retain juices.

Step 8

Slice and serve warm. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or any of your favorite sides for a complete meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1897.2 grams (1897.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3903

Total Fat 251.90g	323%
Saturated Fat 98.30g	492%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.50g
Cholesterol 1211mg	404%
Sodium 9042mg	393%
Total Carbohydrate 188.60g	69%
Dietary Fiber 7.90g	28%
Total Sugars 83.60g
Protein 241.80g	484%

Vitamin D 227IU	1133%
Calcium 786mg	60%
Iron 28mg	153%
Potassium 3999mg	85%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.8%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 18.9%