Craving a dish that feels like a warm hug but looks downright fancy? Say hello to this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf—a twist on classic Italian Meatloaf Recipes that hides a cheesy surprise at its core. Picture a perfect loaf of Beef Meatloaf, flavored with fragrant herbs and spices, unrolled to reveal molten mozzarella and Parmesan inside. Ready to impress?
Why You’ll Adore This Meatloaf
- Flavor Explosion: We’re talking Italian seasoning, garlic, onion, and a ribbon of gooey cheese all tucked into a Ground Beef Meatloaf base.
- Showstopper Yet Simple: It feels like a dinner party centerpiece, but it’s as straightforward as any Good Meatloaf Recipe.
- Leftover Magic: Slice it cold between bread for epic meatloaf sandwiches or reheat for a quick Meatloaf Dinner on a hectic weeknight.
Building Your Meatloaf Masterpiece
Gather these pantry heroes:
- 2 lbs 80/20 ground beef for juicy results
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (swap gluten‑free if needed)
- 2 eggs to bind
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- ½ tsp garlic powder & onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup chopped spinach (optional for extra color and nutrients)
Step‑By‑Step Assembly
- Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 375 °F. Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment.
- Mix Meat: In a bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper. Stir gently—overmix, and your loaf turns tough.
- Shape & Stuff: Pat half the mixture into a rough rectangle. Sprinkle on your Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf filling: mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach. Top with the remaining meat, sealing edges to trap that cheesy center.
- Bake: Place seam‑side down and bake 45–50 minutes, until the interior hits 160 °F.
Sauce & Sides
Want that classic red‑glazed finish? Spread marinara over the top in the last 10 minutes of baking. Serve with garlicky bread or a crisp salad to cut through the richness.
Beyond Meatloaf: Meat Meets Steak
FYI, if you’re a carnivore’s carnivore, this recipe channels Beef Steak Recipes vibes—rich, hearty, and utterly satisfying. Pair with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a side of polenta for an Italian‑inspired feast.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Make‑Ahead Star: Assemble on a Sunday and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight, then bake fresh come dinner.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or swap Italian sausage for half the beef to give it a bold kick.
- Veggie Boost: Fold in finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hunting for a cozy family meal or a Meatloaf Dinner that wows guests, this Italian Meatloaf has you covered. It checks all the boxes: easy assembly, hearty protein, and a gooey cheese center that feels downright indulgent. Ready to elevate your meatloaf game? Let’s get rolling!
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf – Italian Meatloaf Recipes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
A flavorful loaf made by combining seasoned beef and sausage, then hiding a molten cheese and spinach filling inside. Topped with tangy marinara and Parmesan, it’s an easy crowd‑pleaser for any family meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 Tbsp Italian herb blend (basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup milk
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (optional)
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare & Preheat
- Heat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment.
- Combine the Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, herbs, parsley, milk, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir just until everything comes together.
- Shape & Stuff
- Transfer the mixture to the sheet and pat into a roughly 9×12‑inch rectangle.
- Press a shallow trench down the center, then fill it with mozzarella, spinach, and a spoonful of marinara.
- Fold the meat over the filling, sealing the seams so the cheese stays inside.
- Top & Bake
- Spread the remaining marinara over the top of the loaf, then sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 160 °F (71 °C) in the center.
- Rest & Serve
- Let the loaf rest 10 minutes before slicing into thick pieces.
- Serve with extra marinara on the side for dipping.
Notes
Bold Tip: If you’d like more veggies, stir in diced mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling before rolling.
Storage & Make‑Ahead
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the cooled, unbaked loaf in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
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