This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is a heartwarming dish that transforms a comfort food classic into something truly special. At first glance, it looks like a traditional meatloaf, but slice into it and you’re rewarded with a gooey, molten core of mozzarella cheese. The beef is seasoned with fragrant Italian herbs, garlic, and onion, and a sweet-savory glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
It’s the kind of recipe that evokes memories of family dinners but with an elevated twist. The melty cheese center adds richness and texture, making it irresistible to both kids and adults. Served with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery peas, or a crisp green salad, this meatloaf is bound to become a new favorite in your rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or planning leftovers, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 pounds ground beef
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1 cup plain breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup milk
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2 large eggs
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks or a log
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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1/2 cup ketchup
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined but not overworked.
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On a large piece of parchment or wax paper, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
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Place the mozzarella cheese in the center of the rectangle, lengthwise. Gently lift the sides of the meat mixture and roll over the cheese to form a loaf, completely enclosing the cheese in the center. Seal the edges well.
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Transfer the meatloaf to a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, seam-side down.
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In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 55 – 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure the cheese sets and juices redistribute.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf – The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist
When you think of comfort food, meatloaf likely tops the list. It’s a nostalgic, hearty dish that brings back memories of cozy dinners around the table. But this isn’t just any meatloaf this is Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf, a savory, juicy, cheese-filled masterpiece that’s bound to become your new family favorite.
By taking the classic flavors of traditional meatloaf and combining them with a surprise core of gooey, melted mozzarella, this recipe adds a new dimension to a beloved staple. The outer layer is seasoned to perfection with herbs, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, while the center holds a molten treasure of stringy, melted cheese that oozes with every slice. Topped with a tangy glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, it’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, weekend comfort dinners, or even a hearty option for entertaining guests. It’s easy to prepare, oven-baked to perfection, and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf isn’t just delicious it’s also:
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Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults adore the cheesy surprise inside. It’s a great way to make a familiar dish more exciting.
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Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein, and most ingredients are pantry staples.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this ahead of time, freeze it, or store leftovers with ease.
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Comforting and Filling: This is a true main course that doesn’t leave anyone hungry.
Ingredient Highlights
Let’s take a deeper look at the ingredients that make this stuffed meatloaf truly exceptional:
Ground Beef
This is the foundation of the recipe. A blend that includes some fat around 80/20 or 85/15 offers the best texture and juiciness. Leaner cuts may result in a drier loaf unless supplemented with extra moisture.
Breadcrumbs & Milk
This duo forms a binder that keeps the meatloaf moist and tender. The breadcrumbs soak up the milk and help hold the loaf together, preventing it from becoming dense or dry.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binder to keep everything cohesive. Two large eggs are enough for this recipe, and they contribute to the meatloaf’s structure.
Aromatics: Onion and Garlic
Chopped onion and minced garlic add layers of flavor. For a smoother texture, the onion can be grated or finely minced to integrate better with the meat.
Worcestershire Sauce
A dash of Worcestershire sauce brings in a savory umami depth that enhances the beefiness of the loaf.
Italian Seasoning
A mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives the meatloaf a distinctly Italian flair, pairing perfectly with the mozzarella center.
Mozzarella Cheese
The star of the show. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results it melts beautifully without making the loaf soggy. You can use a log of cheese or even string cheese sticks for convenience.
Glaze: Ketchup, Brown Sugar & Dijon Mustard
The glaze adds the final touch sweet, tangy, and slightly sharp from the mustard, it balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
Method Overview (Non-Step Format)
To prepare this meatloaf, you’ll start by mixing the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, seasonings, and aromatics. Once thoroughly combined, the meat mixture is shaped into a large rectangle on parchment paper or plastic wrap.
Mozzarella cheese is placed in the center, then the meat is rolled up and sealed around the cheese to create a loaf. After transferring it to a baking dish, you top it with a homemade glaze and bake until fully cooked and golden.
After baking, it’s crucial to let the meatloaf rest. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps the cheese firm up slightly, making for cleaner, more satisfying slices.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Meatloaf
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Don’t overmix the meat. This can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
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Seal well. Make sure no cheese is exposed to avoid leakage during baking.
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Let it rest. Resting before slicing ensures you retain moisture and keep the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
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Use parchment paper. It makes rolling and transferring the loaf easier and cleaner.
Serving Suggestions
This meatloaf is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many classic side dishes:
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a natural fit.
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Roasted Vegetables: Think carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
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Steamed Green Beans: For a lighter, crisp option.
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Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: To mop up any of that cheesy, meaty goodness.
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Simple Green Salad: Add freshness to balance the rich main dish.
You can even slice leftover meatloaf for sandwiches, paninis, or wraps the next day!
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration:
Let the meatloaf cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf can be frozen before or after baking.
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Unbaked: Shape the loaf (without glaze), wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw before baking.
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Baked: Slice and freeze individual portions for easy reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven (covered) to prevent drying out. A splash of water or broth helps maintain moisture.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about meatloaf is how customizable it is. Try these twists:
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Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, fontina, or gouda.
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Add Veggies: Finely grated zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers can add moisture and nutrients.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
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Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Conclusion
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a timeless classic. It’s rich, comforting, and layered with flavor in every bite. The melty mozzarella center takes this recipe from simple to spectacular, impressing family members and guests alike.
Whether you’re serving it at a weeknight dinner or preparing it in advance for a special gathering, this meatloaf is bound to please. Pair it with your favorite sides, enjoy the leftovers (if there are any!), and savor the heartwarming taste of home-cooked comfort food with a gourmet flair.
Give this recipe a try, and it just might become your go-to meatloaf from here on out. Your family will thank you and so will your taste buds.