Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Why make this recipe

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food. It brings together the rich flavors of Italian cuisine in a cozy dish that everyone will love. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage gives it a savory base, while the melted cheese and marinara sauce add depth and deliciousness. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, and leftovers make great sandwiches the next day!

How to make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

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.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
3. Add the milk, salt, and pepper. 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 to seal it and form a loaf shape.
7. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side, if desired.

How to serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve it warm. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. Drizzle some extra marinara sauce over the top for added flavor. This dish is great for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

How to store Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Allow any leftover meatloaf to cool down to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Mix well but don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.
• Feel free to add other fillings like peppers or mushrooms for different flavors.
• If you like it spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Variation

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and sausage. You can also use whole wheat bread crumbs instead of regular ones. Adding diced vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to the meat mixture can boost nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it a day in advance. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

2. How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F when fully cooked.

3. Can I freeze the stuffed meatloaf?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked or cooked meatloaf. Just wrap it tightly and label it with the date for easy use later.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

A delicious twist on classic comfort food, combining ground beef, Italian sausage, melted cheese, and marinara sauce.

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: 375

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
• 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

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
3. Add the milk, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until fully combined.

Shaping the meatloaf

1. On a baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf, about 9 x 12 inches.
2. 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.
3. Carefully fold the meat around the filling to seal it and form a loaf shape.
4. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Baking

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

Serving

1. Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve it warm. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
2. Drizzle some extra marinara sauce over the top for added flavor.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Mix well but don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatloaf tender. Feel free to add other fillings like peppers or mushrooms for different flavors. If you like it spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and sausage. You can also use whole wheat bread crumbs instead of regular ones. Adding diced vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to the meat mixture can boost nutrition and flavor.