If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a little bit of flair, then this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is exactly what you need. Imagine a classic, hearty meatloaf, but with a delicious surprise in the middle: gooey cheese, savory herbs, and a touch of Italian seasoning. It’s like your favorite meatloaf, but dressed up for an elegant dinner. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this one.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress at a gathering, this dish will not only fill the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas but also leave everyone asking for the recipe. So let’s dive in and make something that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Packed: The combination of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and the stuffed filling of cheese and herbs brings this meatloaf to a whole new level of delicious.
Impressive Yet Easy: Don’t let the stuffed middle fool you—this recipe is straightforward to make, but it’s impressive enough to serve at your next dinner party.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Meatloaf is one of those dishes that tastes just as good (if not better) the next day. You can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner all week!
Customizable: You can switch up the filling with your favorite cheeses or add vegetables to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: This is the kind of meal that everyone will love—kids and adults alike will go wild for it!
Ingredients in Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Here’s what you’ll need to bring all that cheesy, savory goodness to life:
Ground Beef: The base of the meatloaf. I recommend using 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Breadcrumbs: These help keep the meatloaf tender and moist. If you’re going gluten-free, swap for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Eggs: A binder that holds everything together, helping the meatloaf stay firm but tender.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential seasonings that add depth and flavor to the meat mixture.
Italian Seasoning: The key to giving this meatloaf its Italian flair. A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme takes the flavor to the next level.
Mozzarella Cheese: For the stuffed center, this creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese is perfect.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the filling and the meatloaf mixture.
Spinach (optional): Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, balancing the richness of the meat.
Marinara Sauce: For serving on top—because what’s an Italian dish without a rich tomato sauce?
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your meatloaf!
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined (don’t overmix or the meatloaf could be tough).
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and spinach (if using). This will be the delicious surprise in the middle of your meatloaf!
Assemble the Meatloaf: On a piece of parchment paper or directly on a baking sheet, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Spread the cheese and spinach filling evenly over the meat, leaving about an inch around the edges. Carefully roll the meatloaf up, jelly-roll style, so that the cheese is wrapped inside.
Bake the Meatloaf: Place the stuffed meatloaf seam-side down on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
Top with Marinara Sauce: In the last 10 minutes of baking, spread a generous amount of marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven to bake and allow the sauce to heat through.
Let It Rest: Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your stuffed Italian meatloaf with extra marinara sauce on the side. It’s great with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
How to Serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
With Garlic Bread: No Italian meal is complete without garlic bread. Toasted to perfection, it’s the perfect accompaniment for sopping up that marinara sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs beautifully with this savory meatloaf.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or broccoli add a fresh, healthy contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.
Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the meatloaf.
With Extra Marinara Sauce: Serve this with extra marinara sauce for dipping, because who can resist a little more of that delicious tomato goodness?
Additional Tips
Use Leaner Meat: If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef. Just make sure to add a little extra fat (like olive oil or a bit of butter) to keep it moist.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the meatloaf a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add the marinara sauce in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze the meatloaf before baking. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a little chili powder to the meat mixture for some heat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
A1: Absolutely! You can use provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses if you prefer.
Q2: Can I use a loaf pan instead of a baking sheet?
A2: Yes, you can! Using a loaf pan helps the meatloaf keep its shape, but it’s also delicious baked on a baking sheet.
Q3: How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
A3: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C) for it to be fully cooked.
Q4: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can assemble it the night before and bake it the next day.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q6: Can I freeze this meatloaf?
A6: Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q7: Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
A7: Absolutely! Adding finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the meat mixture will add even more flavor.
Q8: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking?
A8: Make sure to seal the edges of the meatloaf tightly when rolling it up, and if you find it’s leaking, use a bit of extra meat to patch up any holes.
Q9: Can I skip the spinach in the filling?
A9: Yes! If you’re not a fan of spinach, feel free to leave it out or replace it with herbs like basil or parsley.
Q10: What can I serve with the leftover marinara sauce?
A10: Use the leftover sauce for dipping breadsticks, serving over pasta, or as a topping for pizza.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is one of those meals that’s comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit impressive. With the savory filling and the rich marinara sauce on top, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a hearty, delicious dinner that everyone will love!
Print
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a savory blend of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a flavorful loaf. The stuffed center adds a juicy twist to the classic meatloaf. Perfect for a hearty family dinner!
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
Topping:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper, then mix until fully combined.
- On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf (about 9×12 inches).
- Create a well in the center of the meatloaf and stuff with mozzarella cheese, spinach (if using), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
- Carefully fold the meat around the filling, sealing the edges to form a loaf.
- Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Variations: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the filling for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg