This Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s packed with ground meat, herbs, spices, and a cheesy surprise in the middle. Yum!
I love how you can just slice it and serve! Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests. Don’t be shocked if they ask for seconds, I know I do! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A blend of ground beef and pork adds nice flavor and texture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are fantastic for flavor, but plain breadcrumbs work too. Just add a pinch of your favorite Italian herbs if using plain.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a great choice for stuffing due to its melting qualities, but feel free to swap it with provolone or even cheddar for a different taste.
Fresh Parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but it’s less vibrant. You could also try basil or oregano for a different touch.
Marinara Sauce: For a quick option, jarred sauce is fine. Homemade sauce makes it even better, and you can customize it to your liking!
How Do I Keep My Meatloaf from Falling Apart?
A common struggle with meatloaf is keeping it together. The key starts with properly combining your ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined without overworking the meat. Overmixing can make it tough.
- Using breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture, absorbing moisture and maintaining structure.
- Ensure you seal the edges well when covering the cheese to hold everything inside.
- Letting it rest after baking is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your meatloaf intact and juicy when sliced.
Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Stuffing and Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for stuffing)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
- Olive oil (for greasing the pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes to rest before serving. So, in total, you’ll need roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes for a delicious stuffed Italian meatloaf!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a loaf pan with some olive oil or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, chopped onion, milk, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as it can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions. Take one portion and shape it into a loaf form, placing it on your prepared pan. This will be the base of your meatloaf.
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meatloaf base. This will melt beautifully while baking and create that tasty, gooey center.
5. Add the Top Layer:
Take the second portion of the meat mixture and gently cover the cheese layer. Make sure to seal the edges well so that the cheese remains inside while baking.
6. Add Marinara Topping:
Brush the top of the meatloaf with marinara sauce to keep it moist and add extra flavor. This will also give it a nice glaze as it bakes!
7. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meat is cooked through.
8. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step helps keep it juicy and allows the cheese to set inside.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, slice the meatloaf, serve it with extra marinara sauce if desired, and enjoy your delicious stuffed Italian meatloaf with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even a mix of beef and pork for added flavor. Just make sure any meat you choose is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. If it’s already cooked, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated!
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. Just add a pinch of Italian herbs (like oregano or basil) to maintain that delicious flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Consider adding a drizzle of marinara sauce to keep it moist!
