Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a cozy dinner that’s equal parts comforting and impressive: Stuffed Italian Meatloaf! This dish is a gorgeous twist on a classic, featuring a moist, flavorful meatloaf packed with melty mozzarella, tender spinach, and a ribbon of zesty marinara. The secret? Every bite bursts with savory Italian flavor and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking to wow your family on a weeknight or impress friends at a casual gathering, this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf will become your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple it is to bring big Italian flavor to your table with these easy-to-find ingredients. Each element stars in its own way, layering taste and texture until you have one showstopping Stuffed Italian Meatloaf.
- Ground beef (1 ½ lbs): The hearty base that gives the meatloaf its classic richness and satisfying bite.
- Ground Italian sausage (½ lb): Adds a punch of savory spices and keeps the loaf extra juicy.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Brings mellow sweetness and moisture to every slice.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For that unmistakable Italian aroma and a big flavor boost.
- Bread crumbs (1 cup): Key for holding everything together and achieving perfect tenderness.
- Eggs (2 large): The essential binder that gives structure and richness to the loaf.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup + ¼ cup): Nutty, salty depth in both the mix and as a golden topping.
- Italian seasoning (2 tbsp): Classic blend that brings all those familiar herby notes.
- Parsley, chopped (1 tbsp): Fresh pops of green sprinkled throughout, plus extra color.
- Milk (½ cup): Keeps the loaf moist and helps the bread crumbs meld seamlessly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but vital for bringing out every flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): The melty, stringy heart of the stuffing.
- Spinach, chopped (1 cup, optional): Adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy note to the filling.
- Marinara sauce (¼ cup inside, ½ cup on top): A little inside for a juicy ribbon, extra on top for that signature Italian touch.
How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. You want it nice and hot so the Stuffed Italian Meatloaf bakes evenly, becoming gorgeously golden and cooked to perfection throughout.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Pour in the milk, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and mix everything together by hand or with a sturdy spoon until thoroughly blended. The mixture should feel moist but not too sticky—a perfect base for holding the flavorful filling.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press and shape it into a rectangle, about 9×12 inches. This is where your hands get a little messy, but it’s worth it! Creating a flat surface helps you add the stuffing before rolling it up.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Down the center of your rectangle, make a shallow well and pile in the mozzarella cheese, a generous handful of chopped spinach (if you’re using it), and drizzle ¼ cup of marinara sauce. This trio gives your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf its signature gooey, savory core. Just try not to snack on the mozzarella while you work!
Step 5: Seal and Shape the Loaf
Carefully fold the short sides of the meat rectangle over the filling, then seal the long sides to create a neat loaf. Pinch the seams together well, making sure none of that cheesy filling leaks out during baking. Shape and smooth the loaf for a tidy look—think of it as tucking in a cozy blanket.
Step 6: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Spoon the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce over the top of the loaf. Sprinkle the final ¼ cup of grated Parmesan evenly over the sauce. This layer bakes up bubbly, fragrant, and slightly crisped—pure Italian comfort!
Step 7: Bake
Pop the meatloaf into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The aromas will fill your kitchen with anticipation!
Step 8: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once baked, let your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting is the secret to juicy, clean slices that hold together beautifully—resist the urge to cut into it right away!
How to Serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or extra Parmesan brings color and freshness to your presentation. If you like a touch of indulgence, try a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few torn basil leaves for that extra Italian flair.
Side Dishes
Marry your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with a simple side of garlicky green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. For a true Italian touch, a crisp Caesar salad and a basket of crusty bread for sopping up extra sauce are always winners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, slice the loaf thickly and fan the pieces on a platter, spooning over a ladleful of warm marinara. For individual servings, pack slices into toasted ciabatta rolls for an unforgettable meatloaf sandwich—perfect for next-day lunches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Stuffed Italian Meatloaf tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a welcome lunch or quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, let your cooked and cooled meatloaf firm up in the fridge, then slice and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap. Store in a freezer bag for up to three months. For even better texture, freeze the loaf before baking; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through—about 20 minutes. Or zap individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, checking for hot, melty centers. Add a fresh scoop of marinara to keep it extra moist.
FAQs
Can I make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatloaf up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready, bring it to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, then bake as usual. This makes meal prep a breeze when entertaining.
What’s the best way to ensure my meatloaf stays juicy?
Using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage is key, as the sausage brings extra fat and moisture. Don’t skip the milk and eggs—they help create a soft, tender crumb. And remember to let your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf rest before slicing!
What other fillings can I use besides mozzarella and spinach?
Feel free to get creative! Try provolone, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. Just avoid anything too watery, so the loaf stays firm and sliceable.
Do I need to use both ground beef and Italian sausage?
The blend provides the best flavor, but if needed, you can use all ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Just add a little extra seasoning to maximize the Italian flair.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the center should read 160°F. If you don’t have one, insert a knife and check that the juices run clear and the cheese is bubbling inside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that makes everyone at the table feel special, Stuffed Italian Meatloaf hits the spot every time. This recipe is packed with flavor, comforting in every way, and fun to customize with your family’s favorite fillings. I hope you give it a try, share it with loved ones, and let it become a favorite in your home too!
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Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf recipe combines the savory flavors of beef and Italian sausage with gooey mozzarella cheese, spinach, and zesty marinara sauce for a delicious twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Meatloaf:
Filling:
Topping:
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 Italian ingredients like olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
- For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- This meatloaf pairs well with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Stuffed Italian Meatloaf, Meatloaf Recipe, Italian Sausage, Comfort Food
