When it comes to comfort food that feels just like a warm hug, nothing beats a delicious Italian meatloaf. Picture this: a hearty loaf of perfectly seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, expertly stuffed with ooey-gooey mozzarella and served with a splash of marinara. This recipe has been a staple in my home for years, especially during family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. It’s not only satisfying but also brings a little Italian flair to a classic dish, elevating your dinner game with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This stuffed Italian meatloaf is a game-changer for dinner time. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it also involves affordable ingredients that you might already have on hand. The combination of rich flavors from the beef, sausage, and cheese is irresistible, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back family weekends—you can even dress it up for a special occasion.

“Absolutely loved this! The stuffed cheese center was a delightful surprise. My kids couldn’t get enough!” – A happy home cook

Preparing Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Making this dish is a breeze! You’ll start by mixing up your meat and seasonings before shaping it into a loaf. The magic happens when you create a center well to hold the delectable cheese and marinara sauce. All in all, you’ll have this meatloaf in the oven in no time, letting it cook while you prepare sides or relax with loved ones.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients for a scrumptious stuffed Italian meatloaf:

1 ½ lbs ground beef
½ lb ground Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup bread crumbs
2 large eggs
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
¼ cup marinara sauce (for stuffing)
½ cup marinara sauce (for topping)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

Directions to Follow

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
Add the milk, along with salt and pepper, and mix until everything is fully combined.
On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf, approximately 9×12 inches in size.
Create a well in the center of the meatloaf and stuff it with mozzarella cheese, spinach (if using), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
Carefully fold the meat around the filling, sealing the edges to form a complete loaf.
Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing it up.
Serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When it’s time to serve your delicious stuffed Italian meatloaf, consider pairing it with classic Italian sides like garlic bread or a leafy green salad. Roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes would also complement the flavors beautifully. For a hearty meal, serve it with a side of pasta drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with Parmesan.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Properly storing your meatloaf can ensure you enjoy those magical flavors again later. Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To extend its shelf life, consider wrapping individual portions in plastic wrap and freezing them. When reheating, be sure to cook it until it’s at least 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure safety.

Practical Cooking Tips

Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the loaf tender.
Customize seasoning: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning to match your taste. If you love a punch of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
Cheese alternatives: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, try using provolone or fontina for different flavors.

Creative Twists

This stuffed Italian meatloaf can easily be tailored to your taste. Add in some roasted red peppers or swap out the spinach for kale to mix up the filling. You could even try using ground turkey for a leaner option or make it gluten-free by substituting the bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare?

You can have this dish ready to go in about 20-30 minutes, plus baking time.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it uncooked in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even some plant-based meat if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative.

This stuffed Italian meatloaf is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings everyone around the table. Enjoy the flavors and love in every bite!

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Author: majestyrecipes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Omnivore

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting Italian meatloaf stuffed with mozzarella and served with marinara, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lbs ground beef
½ lb ground Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup bread crumbs
2 large eggs
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
¼ cup marinara sauce (for stuffing)
½ cup marinara sauce (for topping)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
Add the milk, along with salt and pepper, and mix until everything is fully combined.
On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf, approximately 9×12 inches in size.
Create a well in the center of the meatloaf and stuff it with mozzarella cheese, spinach (if using), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
Carefully fold the meat around the filling, sealing the edges to form a complete loaf.
Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing it up.
Serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Can be frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Italian meatloaf, stuffed meatloaf, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipes