Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a hearty fusion of traditional meatloaf comfort and the bold, savory flavors of Italian cuisine. Imagine a rich blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoned with garlic, onions, fresh herbs, and then stuffed with thick slices of gooey mozzarella cheese that melt perfectly in the oven.

Topped with warm marinara and baked until golden and bubbling, this meatloaf is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or special weekend meal. It’s easy to make but packed with flavor, making it a satisfying and impressive dish that everyone at the table will ask for seconds of.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
½ lb ground Italian sausage
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into thick slices
1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
Olive oil spray

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
Place the meat mixture on a piece of parchment paper and flatten it into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick.
Lay the mozzarella slices in the center, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges.
Carefully roll the meatloaf from one short end to the other, using the parchment paper to help you. Pinch the ends to seal in the cheese.
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Spray lightly with olive oil and spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with extra marinara sauce and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 465 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf: A Hearty Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist

Introduction:
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a twist on the traditional meatloaf that combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the comfort of a classic family meal. This dish features a flavorful blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoned with a perfect balance of spices, and then stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese. The meatloaf is baked to perfection and topped with a hearty marinara sauce that adds a burst of freshness and tangy flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal to serve during the week or want to impress guests with something a little different, Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect combination of savory meat, melty cheese, and robust Italian flavors, everything you need for a satisfying meal.

The Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

The key to making this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf truly special lies in the ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in bringing out the rich and bold flavors of the dish. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients:

Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: The combination of lean ground beef and flavorful Italian sausage gives the meatloaf its robust flavor and tender texture. The sausage adds a slightly spicy and savory taste, while the beef provides a hearty base.
Italian-Style Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are an essential binder for the meat mixture. In this recipe, we use Italian-style breadcrumbs, which add an additional layer of flavor thanks to their seasoning. The breadcrumbs ensure the meatloaf stays moist and juicy during baking.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a depth of flavor and a touch of nuttiness to the meatloaf. It enhances the overall taste while also contributing to the texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show, mozzarella cheese is what makes this dish irresistible. When baked, it melts beautifully inside the meatloaf, creating a gooey, cheesy center that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Eggs and Milk: These ingredients work together to help bind the meat and breadcrumbs, ensuring the meatloaf holds together without becoming dry.
Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce is both a topping and a flavor enhancer. It adds acidity and sweetness to balance the richness of the meatloaf and complements the mozzarella cheese perfectly.
Herbs and Spices: The seasoning in this dish is simple but flavorful. Fresh parsley, garlic, and Italian seasoning infuse the meatloaf with authentic Italian flavors, while salt and pepper add just the right amount of seasoning.

Preparing the Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Step-by-Step Instructions:
The preparation of Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is straightforward, and the results are nothing short of delicious. Here’s a breakdown of how to create this mouthwatering dish:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the meatloaf cooks evenly and develops a golden-brown crust.
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, onions, garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf.
Form the Meatloaf: Lay a large piece of parchment paper on a flat surface and transfer the meat mixture onto it. Shape the mixture into a rectangle that is about ½ inch thick. This will make it easier to roll up the mozzarella cheese in the next step.
Add the Mozzarella: Place the slices of mozzarella cheese down the center of the meatloaf, leaving an inch of space around the edges. The cheese will melt as the meatloaf bakes, creating a deliciously cheesy center.
Roll the Meatloaf: Carefully lift one edge of the parchment paper and roll the meatloaf over the cheese, making sure to seal the edges so the cheese stays inside. Pinch the ends to ensure it’s tightly rolled.
Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf on a prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Lightly spray the top with olive oil, then spoon marinara sauce over the top. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The cheese inside should be melted and bubbling, and the outside should be golden and crisp.
Let It Rest: Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures that the meatloaf holds its shape.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

There are plenty of reasons to love Stuffed Italian Meatloaf. First and foremost, it’s a comfort food dish that’s both indulgent and flavorful. The combination of beef, sausage, and mozzarella is truly irresistible, and the marinara sauce brings the entire dish together with its rich, tangy flavor.

What makes this meatloaf special, however, is the gooey mozzarella cheese that’s hidden inside. As you slice into the meatloaf, the cheese oozes out, adding a rich and satisfying texture that complements the savory meat perfectly.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even for entertaining guests. It’s a great way to make a classic meatloaf recipe feel more exciting and flavorful. And best of all, it’s simple to prepare with ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.

Tips for Making the Perfect Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Use Quality Ground Beef: Choose a blend of ground beef that’s around 80/20 or 85/15 for the best texture and flavor. Too lean of a beef mixture can make the meatloaf dry.
Customize the Fillings: While mozzarella cheese is the traditional choice, you can customize the filling by using other types of cheese, such as provolone, gouda, or even ricotta. For extra flavor, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers inside.
Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meatloaf mixture, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can cause the meatloaf to become tough instead of tender.
Let It Rest Before Slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps it retain its shape and prevents the cheese from spilling out too much.
Serve with Extra Marinara: For a more flavorful dish, serve your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with extra marinara sauce on the side. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese over the top for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

Garlic Bread: Serve with some warm, crispy garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots provide a light and healthy balance to the rich meatloaf.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes complement the hearty nature of the meatloaf.
Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to add some freshness to the meal.

Conclusion

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is the perfect dish for anyone who loves a flavorful and hearty meal. With its combination of savory meats, melty mozzarella, and zesty marinara sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a dinner party, or just a cozy night in, this dish offers the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort.

By following this recipe and adding your personal touch, you’ll have a dish that’s not only satisfying but also sure to impress. So next time you’re craving something filling and flavorful, look no further than this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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