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Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

A delicious twist on classic comfort food, combining ground beef, Italian sausage, melted cheese, and marinara sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
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.