This Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a warm hug on a plate! It’s made with ground meat mixed with Italian herbs and has a gooey cheese center that melts in your mouth.
Let’s be real, who wouldn’t love a surprise cheese filling? I always take a selfie with my meatloaf before I dig in. It’s just too good to resist! 😄
Making this meatloaf is a breeze! Just mix, shape, and bake. It’s perfect for dinner and great for leftovers too—if there are any left! You’re going to love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A mix of beef and pork gives great flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind that it might be a bit drier.
Italian-Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These provide flavor and texture. You can use plain breadcrumbs and add your own mix of dried herbs, like basil and oregano, if you don’t have the seasoned ones handy.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor. For a budget-friendly choice, you could substitute with Pecorino Romano or omit the cheese altogether for a dairy-free option.
Marinara Sauce: This adds moisture and flavor on top! Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine. If you’re in a pinch, any tomato sauce will do.
How Do I Keep the Meatloaf Moist?
Keeping the meatloaf moist is key! Mixing the ingredients gently ensures the meat doesn’t get tough. Here’s how to do it:
- Don’t overmix—just combine until everything is mixed.
- Use a mixture of meats for better flavor and moisture.
- Adding milk helps keep it juicy. Don’t skip it!
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking. This helps the juices redistribute.
Following these tips will help you serve a deliciously moist meatloaf each time!
Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks or small cubes (for stuffing)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy stuffed meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll need to bake it for 50-60 minutes. With resting time, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets it nice and warm while you prepare the meatloaf. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, gather your ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, the egg, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you want a bit of heat), salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently. Be careful not to overwork the meat, or it could get tough!
3. Shape the Meat Mixture:
On a lightly floured surface or a large piece of parchment paper, take half of the meat mixture and shape it into a rough rectangle, about 9×5 inches. This is where your cheese will go!
4. Add the Cheese:
Place the mozzarella cheese sticks or cubes in a line down the center of your meat rectangle. This will be the delicious surprise inside!
5. Form the Loaf:
Carefully fold the sides of the meat mixture over the cheese, sealing it well and shaping it into a loaf. Make sure there are no gaps where the cheese can escape. No cheese left behind!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the meatloaf to the prepared loaf pan or baking sheet, seam side down. This helps it hold its shape while baking.
7. Add a Glaze:
Brush the top of the meatloaf with olive oil or melted butter. This will help give it a lovely golden crust when it bakes!
8. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake uncovered for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and it’s cooked through.
9. Top with Marinara Sauce:
During the last 10 minutes of baking, take your marinara sauce and spoon it over the top of the meatloaf. It’ll seep into the meat and add flavor!
10. Let it Rest:
When it’s done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This is super important—it helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist and the cheese extra gooey!
11. Slice and Serve:
Now, it’s time to enjoy! Slice the meatloaf and serve it with extra marinara sauce if desired. Perfect with some pasta, a salad, or simply on its own!
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, Italian-style stuffed meatloaf!
FAQ about Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option! Just be mindful that it might require a bit more seasoning to achieve the same flavor as beef. Adding a bit more olive oil or milk can help keep it moist.
What If I Don’t Have Italian-Seasoned Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use plain breadcrumbs and season them yourself. Mix in 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder, or any of your favorite Italian herbs for a similar effect.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the meatloaf moist when reheating, add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce before microwaving or warming it on the stove.
Can I Freeze This Meatloaf?
Definitely! Once cooked and cooled, you can freeze slices or the whole meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before storing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
