This Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s packed with tasty Italian flavors and gooey cheese in the middle. Yum!
I love making this for family dinners—it always gets smiles! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Who can resist a meatloaf stuffed with goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I like a mix of ground beef and pork for flavor and moisture. If you prefer leaner meat, turkey or chicken can work, too. Just be careful as they may be drier.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add herbs and flavor. If you can’t find them, plain breadcrumbs mixed with a little Italian seasoning can do the trick!
Cheese: Mozzarella is fantastic for its meltiness! If you’re looking for a stronger flavor, you could try provolone or even cheddar.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or homemade if you have time! It’s nice to adjust the sweetness or spices to your taste.
How Can I Shape and Stuff the Meatloaf Without Making a Mess?
Shaping and stuffing meatloaf can seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use damp hands to shape the meat; it prevents sticking.
- When you lay down the first half of the meat, create a slight ridge around the edge to hold the cheese better.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to keep the gooey cheese inside.
- If it starts to feel too warm and sticky, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before baking.
Taking these small steps can make a big difference in presentation and success!
Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded (for stuffing)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 60-70 minutes to bake. Once it’s done baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. So in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 25 minutes before you can enjoy your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan, or for easier cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatloaf might be tough!
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
Divide your meat mixture into two equal parts. On a piece of parchment paper or directly on the baking sheet, shape one half into a loaf shape, about 9×5 inches. Make sure it’s even and not too thick.
4. Add the Cheese:
Lay the mozzarella cheese evenly over the shaped meat, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. This will help keep the cheese from leaking out during baking.
5. Seal It Up:
Now, carefully place the second half of the meat mixture on top of the cheese layer. Make sure to seal the edges well so the cheese stays inside when it melts.
6. Transfer and Sauce:
If you formed the loaf on parchment paper, gently move it to your greased pan. If on a baking sheet, just keep it there! Spread the marinara sauce evenly on top of the meatloaf for added flavor.
7. Bake:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps keep it juicy! Serve with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad, and enjoy every delightful bite!
Buon Appetito!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef and pork create a flavorful blend, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that lean meats may result in a slightly drier meatloaf, so adding a bit more moisture could help!
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella on hand, provolone or even cheddar can work well for stuffing. Each will impart a different flavor, so choose based on what you enjoy most!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture, shape the loaf, and store it in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Feel free to kick off your Italian night with this delightful dish! Enjoy! 🍽️
