Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food with a flavorful twist—imagine a tender, juicy loaf of herbed ground meat wrapped around gooey mozzarella, sautéed spinach, and a burst of marinara sauce, all crowned with golden Parmesan and even more bubbling marinara. This classic dish feels like a nostalgic Italian feast, but it’s surprisingly simple to pull together for a family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. Whether you’re craving something cozy or want an impressive main dish that’s bursting with savory layers, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Stuffed Italian Meatloaf truly special is how everyday pantry staples and just a handful of fresh ingredients create an irresistible medley. Each component plays a role in making the dish moist, melty, and deeply satisfying.
- Ground beef: The heart of the meatloaf gives structure and that classic, meaty flavor.
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds so much savory depth and a kiss of spice—don’t skip it!
- Onion, finely chopped: Sweetens and moistens the meat, plus adds that unmistakable homemade aroma.
- Garlic, minced: A little goes a long way to amp up Italian flavor in every bite.
- Bread crumbs: They keep the loaf tender and help all those flavorful juices stay put.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding everything together—no crumbling here!
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Salty, nutty, and totally essential for the charmingly Italian vibe.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the loaf with flavor in every slice.
- Parsley, chopped: Freshness alert—this livens up the meat and adds a pop of color.
- Milk: A little milk goes a long way to keep the crumb moist and fluffy.
- Salt and pepper: The classic duo—season generously for the best flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: The gooey filling that makes Stuffed Italian Meatloaf so irresistible.
- Spinach, chopped (optional): Sneak in some greens for flavor and a hint of color—totally delicious.
- Marinara sauce: Adds moisture, flavor, and that quintessential Italian finish.
- Extra Parmesan cheese, grated: For a crave-worthy golden top that’s just begging to be sliced into.
How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Giving your oven a head start ensures even cooking and helps the meatloaf set up perfectly. A hot oven is key for getting that irresistible golden layer of Parmesan on top.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef and Italian sausage. Next, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, milk, salt, and pepper. Get in there with clean hands or a sturdy spoon—mix until everything’s evenly incorporated, but be careful not to over-mix, as that can make your meatloaf dense.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Transfer your meat mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently form it into a big rectangle, about 9×12 inches. Don’t worry about making it look perfect—the goal is simply to create a flat sheet that’s easy to fill and roll later.
Step 4: Stuff with Cheese, Spinach, and Sauce
Press a shallow groove down the center of your rectangle. Layer in the shredded mozzarella, the chopped spinach (if using), and a few big spoonfuls of marinara sauce. The combination is truly the secret of Stuffed Italian Meatloaf—it turns an ordinary dinner into something memorable.
Step 5: Fold and Seal the Loaf
Gently fold the sides of the meat up over the filling, pressing the seams and ends together so the cheese and sauce are snugly enclosed. A few little pinches here and there help ensure nothing leaks out while baking.
Step 6: Top with Marinara and Parmesan
Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of your loaf, then sprinkle with more grated Parmesan. This step creates a bold, saucy, golden crust—arguably the most delicious part of Stuffed Italian Meatloaf.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the loaf into the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the top is bubbly and caramelized. If needed, let it cook a tad longer to make sure everything is cooked through and melty in the middle.
Step 8: Rest and Slice
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Resting is the secret to slicing neat, generous pieces with gooey, cheesy centers—trust me, your patience will be rewarded!
Step 9: Serve
Slice your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf into thick slabs and spoon over a little extra marinara, if you like. Watch as that cheesy filling oozes out and try not to sneak a bite before everyone else sits down!
How to Serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Garnishes
For a finished look and bursts of freshness, garnish your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with chopped fresh parsley or basil. A final shower of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts, and a little drizzle of good olive oil gives both flavor and shine—beautiful and delicious!
Side Dishes
This meatloaf begs for classic Italian sides: think roasted garlic mashed potatoes, garlicky sautéed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian rolls are the perfect way to soak up every bit of the saucy goodness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family feast, serve the loaf whole and slice at the table for a wow moment. For a dinner party, try mini Stuffed Italian Meatloaf portions—they look stunning plated individually. You can also serve leftovers as meatloaf sandwiches on toasted buns with a dollop of marinara.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stuffed Italian Meatloaf keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store slices in an airtight container—when you’re ready for another meal, they’ll be just as moist and flavorful as day one.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the meatloaf to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze the entire loaf or individual slices for up to 3 months. Label it clearly, so you remember what deliciousness you have waiting!
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices of Stuffed Italian Meatloaf in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil until hot (usually about 20 minutes). Add a spoonful of marinara over each slice to lock in moisture—microwaving also works in a pinch but tends to make the cheese less gooey.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Just know that leaner meats like turkey or chicken may need a bit of extra moisture; consider adding another splash of milk or a tablespoon of olive oil to keep your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf juicy.
What other cheeses work well inside?
Provolone, fontina, or even a smoked gouda can be used instead of mozzarella for a fun flavor twist—just aim for a cheese that melts easily for that irresistible gooey center.
Do I have to add spinach to the filling?
Not at all! The spinach is totally optional. If you prefer, leave it out or swap in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even chopped artichoke hearts.
Can I prepare Stuffed Italian Meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf, wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time—perfect for meal prep or stress-free entertaining.
How do I prevent the stuffed meatloaf from falling apart?
Be sure to mix until just combined and fully seal the edges and seams of your loaf. Letting it rest after baking is key—it allows juices to redistribute and the filling to set, ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of comfort food recipes out there, but Stuffed Italian Meatloaf has a way of stealing the show every time. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple it is to make, and friends and family will be lining up for seconds. Happy cooking and buon appetito!
Print
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf recipe is a savory twist on a classic dish, combining ground beef and Italian sausage with a cheesy, flavorful filling. Perfect for a comforting family meal!
Ingredients
Main 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
Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
Topping:
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf (about 9×12 inches).
- Create a well in the center of the meatloaf and stuff 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 loaf.
- Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper, then mix until fully combined.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or different cheeses.
- Make sure to handle the meatloaf gently when stuffing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Italian Meatloaf, Stuffed Meatloaf, Comfort Food, Beef and Sausage Recipe
