Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf combines ground beef and Italian sausage with a flavorful blend of herbs, cheese, and spinach, wrapped around a cheesy mozzarella and marinara filling. Topped with marinara sauce and Parmesan, this hearty dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner that brings classic Italian flavors to your table.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
Topping:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Add milk, then season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined to create a cohesive meat mixture.
- Form the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto a baking sheet and shape it into a rectangular loaf approximately 9 by 12 inches in size, leaving a well in the center.
- Add the Filling: Fill the well with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach if using, and a spoonful of marinara sauce. Be careful to distribute the filling evenly.
- Seal the Loaf: Carefully fold the meat around the filling, pinching the edges to seal it completely so the filling does not leak out during baking.
- Top the Meatloaf: Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the loaf, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf moist and easier to slice.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve it with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired, for added flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Variations: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: Stuffed Meatloaf, Italian Meatloaf, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf, Italian Sausage Meatloaf, Comfort Food, Baked Meatloaf, Italian Dinner