Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Why make this recipe

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. It combines ground beef and Italian sausage for a flavorful base, while the gooey mozzarella cheese and a hint of marinara sauce inside makes every slice a delightful surprise. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. It’s easy to prepare and can be served with a side of pasta, salad, or crusty bread.

How to make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Making Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• ½ lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
3. Pour in the milk and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until fully combined.
4. On a baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf, about 9 x 12 inches.
5. Create a well in the center of the meatloaf. Stuff it with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach (if you’re using it), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
6. Carefully fold the meat around the filling, making sure to seal the edges to create a loaf.
7. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.

How to serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf hot, sliced into thick pieces. It pairs well with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. Drizzling some extra marinara sauce over the top can enhance the flavor and presentation.

How to store Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

To store the leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it; wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips to make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for stuffing, like provolone or cheddar.

Variation

You can swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Adding different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can also give a new twist to the recipe.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this meatloaf without sausage?
A: Yes, you can use only ground beef or substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Q: How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
A: The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is the best way to check.

Q: Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients and shape the meatloaf a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

A comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef and Italian sausage with gooey mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce for a delightful surprise in every slice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat Mixture

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 lbs ground Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated For the meat mixture
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Stuffing and Topping

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
• 0.25 cup marinara sauce For stuffing
• 0.5 cup marinara sauce For topping
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated For topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
3. Pour in the milk and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until fully combined.
4. On a baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf, about 9 x 12 inches.
5. Create a well in the center of the meatloaf. Stuff it with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach (if you’re using it), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
6. Carefully fold the meat around the filling, making sure to seal the edges to create a loaf.
7. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Baking

1. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
2. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve with extra marinara sauce, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for stuffing.