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- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 egg, beaten - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup marinara sauce - 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Choose ground meats that are lean but not too dry. Look for bright red beef and light pink turkey. Fresh parsley adds great flavor. If you can, use fresh mozzarella. It melts better and tastes richer than other types. Grated Parmesan should be fresh, too. Pre-grated cheese often has additives that affect flavor. You can switch up the meats in this recipe. Ground pork works well if you want a richer taste. If you prefer a leaner option, ground chicken is a good choice. For a plant-based version, try using lentils or a meat substitute made from soy or pea protein. Just make sure the texture can hold together like meat. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make mozzarella stuffed meatloaf, start by gathering all your ingredients. You need ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Don't forget the egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil. This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and 60 minutes to bake. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and turkey. Add breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, and the beaten egg. 3. Mix in minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands for the best mix. 4. Shape the meat mixture into a rectangle, about 1-inch thick. Flatten it out on a clean surface. 5. Place mozzarella sticks in the center, leaving space at the edges. 6. Roll the meat mixture around the cheese. Tuck in the sides to seal it well. Shape it into a loaf. 7. Place the meatloaf in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top and drizzle olive oil. 8. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). 9. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut. Monitoring the temperature is crucial. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp. This ensures your meatloaf is safe to eat and cooked just right. If it's undercooked, it may not taste good and could be unsafe. Always aim for that 160°F (70°C) mark for perfect results. To get the best texture in your meatloaf, mix your ingredients well. Use your hands for a better blend. Don’t overwork the meat; it can make it tough. Keep the meat mixture moist by adding enough breadcrumbs and cheese. The cheese inside gives it a soft feel. Baking it at 350°F helps cook it evenly. One common mistake is not letting the meatloaf rest. Resting helps the juices settle. Another mistake is cutting it too soon. This can make it fall apart. Always make sure your meatloaf is shaped well. Avoid packing it too tightly. Too much moisture can also cause it to fall apart. I love serving my meatloaf with extra marinara sauce on the side. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. Pair it with mashed potatoes or a green salad for balance. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. If you have leftovers, try making meatloaf sandwiches for lunch! Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption. Chill the Cheese: For a gooey cheese center, freeze the mozzarella sticks for about 15-20 minutes before using them in the meatloaf. Rest Before Slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and prevents it from oozing out when sliced. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix and match herbs in the meat mixture. Fresh basil or thyme can add a delightful twist to the flavor. {{image_2}} You can use many kinds of cheese in your meatloaf. Mozzarella is great, but try other options. Cheddar adds a sharp taste. Gouda brings a smoky flavor. Cream cheese makes it rich and creamy. Mix and match to find your favorite cheese. Add-ins can make your meatloaf special. You might try chopped bell peppers for crunch. Diced onions add sweetness. Mushrooms give a nice earthiness. You can even use cooked bacon for a smoky twist. Just remember to keep the balance, so the meat holds together. For a low-carb version, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour. This keeps the meatloaf moist without carbs. For gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use oats instead. Just make sure they are certified gluten-free. These swaps keep your meatloaf tasty for everyone! To keep your mozzarella stuffed meatloaf fresh, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps it safe and tasty. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F (74°C). This helps the cheese stay gooey and delicious. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Slice the meatloaf first, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the slices in a freezer bag or container. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. This way, you always have a cheesy treat on hand! Bake mozzarella stuffed meatloaf for about 50-60 minutes. It should reach 160°F (70°C) inside. You want to see a nice, golden crust on top. Always check the center with a meat thermometer. This ensures it's fully cooked and safe to eat. Yes, you can make meatloaf ahead of time. Mix the ingredients and shape the loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. Serve mozzarella stuffed meatloaf with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. A fresh salad pairs well, too. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. These sides balance the flavors and add color to your plate. We explored the key ingredients for a great meatloaf and noted the importance of quality. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions, highlighting temperature management. I shared tips for texture, common mistakes, and creative serving ideas. You can also customize your meatloaf with cheese options and low-carb adjustments. Lastly, we covered proper storage and reheating methods. With this knowledge, you can make a delicious meatloaf that everyone will enjoy. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Delight: Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

A delicious meatloaf stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and topped with marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, beaten egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • On a clean surface, shape the meat mixture into a large rectangle, approximately 1-inch thick. Use your hands to flatten it out.
  • Place the mozzarella sticks in the center of the rectangle, leaving some space at the edges.
  • Carefully roll the meat mixture over the cheese, tucking in the sides to enclose the mozzarella. Shape it into a loaf.
  • Transfer the meatloaf to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top and drizzle with olive oil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Notes

Slice the meatloaf and arrange it on a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Keyword cheese, comfort food, dinner, meatloaf