Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Combine the ground beef, minced garlic, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently until just blended.

Soften the cream cheese until creamy in a separate bowl. Mix in optional ingredients if desired.

On a lined baking sheet, shape half of the meat mixture into a loaf, creating an indentation in the center. Spoon the cream cheese filling into the well and cover with remaining meat mixture.

Mix ketchup and brown sugar to create a glaze. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.

Bake the meatloaf for approximately 1 hour until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.