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Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
This stuffed Italian meatloaf transforms the classic comfort food into a spectacular centerpiece that combines savory ground beef, Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors at a fraction of the cost while providing excellent protein and nutrients for your loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly meal that feeds a family of four for under $15, making it perfect for weekly meal planning
- Packed with high-quality protein from beef and Italian sausage, supporting muscle health and keeping you satisfied
- Impressive presentation with melted mozzarella center that creates a wow factor for dinner guests
- Easy preparation with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry already
- Excellent for meal prep as leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze beautifully
Why This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe Works
The secret to this exceptional meatloaf lies in the perfect balance of lean ground beef and flavorful Italian sausage. The 80% lean beef provides structure while the sausage adds moisture and authentic Italian herbs.
Fresh breadcrumbs create the ideal texture, absorbing juices while maintaining tenderness. Unlike store-bought breadcrumbs, fresh ones don’t make the loaf dense or dry. The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses delivers both sharp flavor and creamy richness.
This recipe works exceptionally well for Sunday family dinners, holiday gatherings, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The cooking method ensures even heat distribution, creating a golden exterior while keeping the interior perfectly moist.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (80% lean) | Main protein base, provides structure |
| Italian sausage | ½ lb (casings removed) | Adds flavor and moisture |
| Fresh breadcrumbs | 1 cup | Binds ingredients, maintains texture |
| Large eggs | 2 | Binding agent for mixture |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup (grated) | Sharp flavor enhancement |
| Fresh basil | ¼ cup (chopped) | Aromatic Italian herb flavor |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Classic Italian seasoning |
| Marinara sauce | 1 cup | Serving accompaniment |
| Fresh mozzarella | 1 cup (shredded) | Creamy stuffing center |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | Combining meat mixture ingredients |
| Baking dish | Cooking vessel for oven baking |
| Parchment paper | Easy shaping and cleanup |
| Meat thermometer | Ensuring proper internal temperature |
| Sharp knife | Slicing finished meatloaf cleanly |
How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil |
| 2. Mix Proteins | Combine ground beef and Italian sausage in large bowl until well blended |
| 3. Add Seasonings | Gently fold in breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, basil, and oregano until just combined |
| 4. Shape Base | Spread half the meat mixture on parchment paper, creating center indentation for cheese |
| 5. Add Stuffing | Fill indentation with shredded mozzarella cheese, leaving borders clear |
| 6. Form Loaf | Cover cheese with remaining meat mixture, sealing edges and shaping into loaf |
| 7. Bake | Cook 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and top is golden |
| 8. Serve | Rest 10 minutes before slicing, serve with warm marinara sauce |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture as this creates a dense, tough texture – mix just until ingredients are combined
- Use fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for better melting and creamier center consistency
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute for cleaner slicing
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup after cooking
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part, avoiding the cheese center
Serving and Storage Tips for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Serving Tips
Serve this Italian mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh Caesar salad. The rich flavors pair beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete with the star dish.
For elegant presentation, slice the meatloaf into thick portions and drizzle warm marinara sauce over each serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. This dish works wonderfully for Sunday dinners, holiday meals, or any time you want comfort food with sophistication.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days in airtight containers. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm slices in a covered skillet with a splash of broth. The meatloaf also freezes well for up to three months when properly wrapped.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Avoid using lean ground beef exclusively, as it creates a dry, crumbly texture. The combination of 80% lean beef and Italian sausage provides optimal moisture and flavor balance.
Don’t skip the resting period after baking. Cutting immediately causes the cheese to ooze out and the slices to fall apart. Ten minutes of resting time ensures clean, beautiful slices.
Overstuffing with cheese creates structural problems and messy results. Use the recommended amount and leave proper borders when sealing the meat mixture around the filling.
Cooking at too high temperature burns the exterior before the interior reaches safe temperature. Maintain 375°F for even cooking throughout the loaf.
You Must Know
- Internal temperature must reach 160°F (70°C) for food safety – use a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy
- Fresh breadcrumbs work significantly better than dried ones for texture and moisture retention
- Italian sausage casings must be completely removed before mixing to ensure smooth, even texture
- This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings but requires longer cooking time – adjust accordingly
Suggestions for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Transform this basic recipe by experimenting with different cheese combinations. Try adding ricotta mixed with spinach for extra richness, or use provolone instead of mozzarella for sharper flavor profiles.
Consider serving alongside ultimate chicken casserole for larger gatherings or meal prep sessions. Both dishes complement each other beautifully and offer variety for weekly meal planning.
For lighter accompaniments, pair with creamy garlic shrimp pasta for special occasions when you want multiple protein options on the table.
This Italian stuffed meatloaf recipe variation offers additional inspiration for customizing flavors to your family’s preferences.
FAQs:
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. Add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Ensure you leave at least a 1-inch border around the cheese filling and press the edges firmly to seal. Don’t overfill with cheese, and let the meatloaf rest before slicing.
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef. However, these leaner meats may require additional moisture, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture.
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meatloaf (avoiding the cheese center) to ensure it reaches 160°F (70°C). The exterior should be golden brown.
Absolutely! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F.
Conclusion
This stuffed Italian meatloaf recipe delivers exceptional flavor, impressive presentation, and excellent nutritional value for your family meals. The combination of quality proteins, fresh herbs, and melted cheese creates a satisfying dish that rivals expensive restaurant entrees.
With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can master this recipe and adapt it to your preferences. Whether serving for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this meatloaf guarantees satisfied guests and requests for seconds.
The cost-effectiveness, meal prep potential, and crowd-pleasing flavors make this recipe a valuable addition to your cooking repertoire. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular feature on your dinner table.
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📖 Recipe Card
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for stuffed italian meatloaf that you’ll love making at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (80% lean) Ground beef
- ½ lb (casings removed) Italian sausage
- 1 cup Fresh breadcrumbs
- 2 Large eggs
- ½ cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (chopped) Fresh basil
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 cup Marinara sauce
- 1 cup (shredded) Fresh mozzarella
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil
- Mix Proteins: Combine ground beef and Italian sausage in large bowl until well blended
- Add Seasonings: Gently fold in breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, basil, and oregano until just combined
- Shape Base: Spread half the meat mixture on parchment paper, creating center indentation for cheese
- Add Stuffing: Fill indentation with shredded mozzarella cheese, leaving borders clear
- Form Loaf: Cover cheese with remaining meat mixture, sealing edges and shaping into loaf
- Bake: Cook 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and top is golden
- Serve: Rest 10 minutes before slicing, serve with warm marinara sauce
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture as this creates a dense, tough texture – mix just until ingredients are combined
- Use fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for better melting and creamier center consistency
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute for cleaner slicing
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part, avoiding the cheese center
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 calories
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: stuffed italian meatloaf, recipe, homemade, cooking, food, easy recipe
