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To make a great stuffed Italian meatloaf, you'll need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 lb ground pork - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1 tsp dried basil - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping) - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work well together. The mix of beef and pork gives it a rich flavor. The breadcrumbs help bind everything. The cheeses add creaminess and depth. You can customize your meatloaf with extra ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Chopped bell peppers for crunch - Spinach for color and nutrition - Sliced olives for a salty kick - Red pepper flakes for heat These add-ins can make your meatloaf unique. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Having the right tools can make cooking easier. For this recipe, you should have: - A large mixing bowl for combining the meat - A lined baking sheet for shaping the meatloaf - A spatula for mixing - A meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked right These tools help you create the best stuffed Italian meatloaf. They make the process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a large bowl and add 1 lb of ground beef and 1 lb of ground pork. These meats blend well, giving your meatloaf great flavor. Next, toss in 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The breadcrumbs keep your meatloaf moist. Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for freshness. Then, mix in 2 cloves of minced garlic for aroma. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil for Italian flair. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add 2 large beaten eggs and 1/2 cup of marinara sauce. Mix everything until it’s well combined. Now, take the meat mixture and shape it on a lined baking sheet. Form it into a rectangle, about 1 inch thick. In the center, create a well for the filling. Here comes the fun part: layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly in the well. Carefully fold the sides of the meatloaf over the cheese. Make sure to seal it well so the cheese stays inside. Shape the meatloaf to ensure it looks nice. Once sealed, spread a layer of marinara sauce over the top. This adds a tasty touch and keeps it moist. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). Once done, take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the cheese settle and makes cutting easier. For serving, slice the meatloaf and present it on a platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice finishing touch! To get that perfect texture, combine the ground beef and pork well. Mixing these meats adds depth. Use breadcrumbs to bind the mixture. They help hold everything together. Be sure to avoid over-mixing; this can make the meatloaf tough. Aim for a smooth, even consistency. Resting the meatloaf after baking is key too. Letting it sit for ten minutes allows juices to settle. For more flavor, use fresh herbs like parsley. They add brightness to the dish. Don't skip the garlic; it gives a nice kick. Incorporate marinara sauce into the meat mixture. This adds moisture and taste. Topping the meatloaf with marinara is a great idea. It keeps the meatloaf juicy and flavorful. Remember to season with salt and pepper generously. A well-seasoned meatloaf makes a big difference. One big mistake is not sealing the meatloaf well. If you leave gaps, the cheese may leak out. Another error is skipping the resting time. Cutting too early can result in a dry meatloaf. Don’t forget to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (70°C) for safety. Lastly, avoid using too much cheese inside. It can overwhelm the other flavors. Keep it balanced for the best taste. Pro Tips Resting Time: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and flavorful. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique flavor. Mixing cheeses can enhance the richness of the filling. Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a burst of flavor. Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano can elevate the taste profile of the meatloaf. Meat Mixture: Mixing ground beef with ground pork adds moisture and flavor. You can also try adding ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. {{image_2}} You can use many types of cheese in stuffed Italian meatloaf. Mozzarella is a favorite for its meltiness. But you can try provolone or fontina for a sharper taste. Cheddar adds a nice twist, too. For a creamy touch, consider using ricotta. Mixing two or more cheeses can create a fun flavor blend. Just remember, the cheese should melt well for the best results. While beef and pork make a great base, you can mix things up. Ground turkey or chicken is leaner but still tasty. If you like lamb, it adds a rich flavor. You can even use a mix of meats for more depth. Just keep the same ratios to maintain texture. Each meat brings its own unique taste to the dish. For gluten-free meatloaf, swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free options. You can use crushed cornflakes or ground oats. Almond flour works well for low-carb diets. It helps bind the meat without adding carbs. You can also add grated vegetables like zucchini for moisture. These swaps keep the meatloaf delicious while catering to dietary needs. To keep leftover meatloaf fresh, let it cool first. Then, 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 way, it remains moist and flavorful for your next meal. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Slice the meatloaf into portions. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. In the microwave, place a slice on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Enjoy it with extra marinara sauce for added flavor! Yes, you can prepare stuffed Italian meatloaf ahead of time. Mix the meat and stuff it. Shape the meatloaf and wrap it in plastic. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes it easy to bake when you are ready. The meatloaf should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). This ensures the meat is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the center. You know the meatloaf is done when it reaches 160°F (70°C). The meatloaf should be firm and not jiggly. If you cut into it, the juices should run clear and not pink. Yes, you can make mini stuffed meatloaves! Use the same recipe, but shape smaller portions. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes. This is a fun way to serve individual portions. Stuffed meatloaf pairs well with many sides. Consider mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Garlic bread or roasted veggies also make great choices. These sides complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf well. You now know how to make a delicious stuffed Italian meatloaf. We covered all the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize it with different meats and cheeses to fit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these simple methods, you'll impress everyone at dinner. Have fun experimenting with flavors and enjoy your tasty creation!

Cheesy Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

A delicious meatloaf stuffed with mozzarella cheese and topped with marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork.
  • Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, basil, beaten eggs, and marinara sauce to the meat mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
  • On a lined baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular shape, about 1 inch thick.
  • In the center of the meatloaf, make a well and layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly.
  • Carefully fold the sides of the meatloaf over the cheese, sealing it in. Shape the meatloaf as needed to ensure it’s sealed.
  • Spread a layer of marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf for added flavor.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to settle.

Notes

Serve slices on a platter, garnished with fresh basil and a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for an extra touch!
Keyword cheesy, Italian, meatloaf