This Italian meatloaf is a fun twist on the classic. It’s packed with tasty cheese and veggies right in the middle, making every slice a surprise!
Honestly, who doesn’t love cheese? As a bonus, this meatloaf is super easy to whip up, and it makes yummy leftovers for sandwiches the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A blend like 80/20 is great for flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too, but they may need extra seasoning.
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These add fantastic flavor. If you don’t have any, you can use regular breadcrumbs and mix in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor. Feel free to use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully in the center. You can swap it for provolone or fontina if you want a different flavor, or even go for a dairy-free cheese if preferred.
Green Bell Pepper: This adds crunch and color. Red, yellow, or orange peppers work too. If you’re not a fan of peppers, try spinach or mushrooms for a different twist.
How Do You Get the Meatloaf Just Right Without Overmixing?
Mixing your meatloaf too much can make it tough. Here’s how to handle it gently:
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, but don’t overwork them. Just mix until combined.
- If you’re adding in veggies like onion and pepper, chop them finely so they blend easily without heavy mixing.
- Shape your meat mixture without squishing it too tightly in the pan; this keeps the loaf light and airy.
Remember, the key is to handle the meat just enough so it’s mixed but still tender!
Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for stuffing)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper (for stuffing)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara or spaghetti sauce (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep work, and then bake the meatloaf for 60-70 minutes. Plus, don’t forget to let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into your evening plans!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan with some cooking spray or oil, or you can line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add ground beef, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, milk, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined—no overmixing, please! This helps keep your meatloaf nice and tender.
3. Shape the First Layer:
Take half of the meat mixture and transfer it to the loaf pan. Shape it into a rectangle that fits the size of the pan, creating a solid base.
4. Add the Stuffing:
Now, spread the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped green bell pepper evenly over this first meat layer. Leave a little space around the edges to prevent leaking.
5. Encase the Filling:
Carefully press the remaining meat mixture on top of the cheese and peppers. Make sure to seal the edges well to ensure the delicious filling stays inside while baking!
6. Bake the Meatloaf:
Pop it into the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), so using a meat thermometer is helpful!
7. Add the Sauce:
In the last 15 minutes of baking, spread the marinara or spaghetti sauce over the top. This gives your meatloaf a nice Italian flair and keeps it moist.
8. Let it Rest:
Once it’s done, carefully take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice super juicy!
9. Slice and Serve:
Slice your stuffed meatloaf and serve it warm. Pair it with some garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy your cheesy stuffed Italian meatloaf! It’s sure to be a family favorite.
FAQ for Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. You might want to add a touch more seasoning, as turkey can be milder in flavor. Just be cautious not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Add Different Vegetables?
Yes, you can absolutely customize your meatloaf! Feel free to swap in finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for the green bell pepper. Just ensure they’re chopped small enough to blend in well!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Meatloaf?
The best way to reheat meatloaf is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, just be careful not to dry them out!
