Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Name: Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 (for stuffing); ½ cup marinara sauce (for topping); ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

By:

Emily

November 20, 2025

Delicious stuffed Italian meatloaf garnished with herbs and served on a plate

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📑 Table of Contents ▶

The Art of Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Fundamentals
Preparation/setup
Directions
Crafting the Perfect Meatloaf
Technique
Tips/tricks
Making It Yours
Perfecting results
Troubleshooting/variations
Serving and Enjoying
Serving/presentation
Pairings/storage
Final Thoughts on Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Have you tried this recipe?

Spread the love

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Creating a stuffed Italian meatloaf brings back memories of childhood dinners filled with laughter and incredible aromas wafting from the kitchen. The very thought of that savory dish is enough to make anyone smile. I can vividly recall the wonders of watching my family gather around the table, all eyes fixed on the centerpiece—a delicious, glorious meatloaf, just waiting to be sliced.

Stuffed Italian meatloaf isn’t merely a meal; it’s an experience that invites you to delve into the simplicity and richness of comforting flavors. Each layer of this meatloaf tells a story of tradition and love, reminding us that food connects us in more ways than one. With hints of Italian herbs and a delightful cheesy surprise in the center, this dish never fails to impress, whether for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner.

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As you embark on making this stuffed Italian meatloaf, you’ll discover a straightforward recipe that only requires basic ingredients. Gather your loved ones around as you fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of roasting meat coupled with savory marinara sauce. It’s the kind of meal that will have everyone eagerly awaiting the feast, sharing memories while enjoying a slice of history on their plates.

The Art of Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Fundamentals

Understanding how to make stuffed Italian meatloaf begins with recognizing its essential components. The heart of this dish features ground beef and Italian sausage, which create a flavorful base. The sausage adds a depth of flavor that elevates the flavor profile of the meatloaf.

Onions and garlic bring an aromatic quality to the mix, ensuring that each bite bursts with savory goodness. Bread crumbs serve as a binder that holds everything together, while eggs provide moisture and richness. Parmesan cheese contributes a delightful nuttiness, and Italian seasoning gives the dish its distinctive flair.

Finally, the secret surprise at the heart of the meatloaf consists of melted mozzarella cheese that creates a delightful gooey center, with optional spinach adding a touch of color and nutrition. With these fundamentals in mind, you’re on your way to creating a culinary masterpiece that speaks to the essence of Italian cooking.

Preparation/setup

Getting started on your stuffed Italian meatloaf involves a few simple steps. Firstly, preheat your oven to 375°F, allowing it to reach the ideal temperature for cooking your meatloaf to perfection.

In a large bowl, you’ll combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and bread crumbs. Adding eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper rounds out the mixture beautifully. After pouring in the milk, mix everything thoroughly until fully combined. Ensuring the ingredients harmonize is critical to achieving a flavorful meatloaf.

Now comes the fun part: shaping the meat mixture! On a baking sheet, form the meat into a rectangular loaf, about 9×12 inches in size. This size allows for ample stuffing and ensures even cooking. Create a well in the center of the loaf to hold your tantalizing filling of shredded mozzarella cheese, spinach if you desire, and a spoonful of marinara sauce. Carefully fold the meat around the filling, creating a beautiful loaf that conceals its treasures.

Ingredients

To craft your stuffed Italian meatloaf, gather the following 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 (for stuffing)
½ cup marinara sauce (for topping)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
Add the milk, salt, and pepper, then mix until fully combined.
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.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Crafting the Perfect Meatloaf

Technique

Mastering the technique for stuffed Italian meatloaf is crucial to ensuring you achieve the desired texture and flavor. When mixing the meat mixture, be careful not to overwork it. Gently folding the ingredients together helps maintain a light, airy structure, allowing the meatloaf to stay tender.

Forming the loaf correctly also plays a significant role in cooking evenly. A rectangular shape allows heat to circulate, providing consistent doneness throughout. Although stuffing the meatloaf may seem daunting, remember that the sealed edges will keep the filling intact, leading to a delightful surprise upon slicing.

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Tips/tricks

A few handy tips can elevate your stuffed Italian meatloaf experience. First, consider letting the meat mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before forming it into a loaf. This step allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to handle.

If you want to add a bit more flavor, feel free to incorporate additional herbs or spices of your choosing. You can experiment with fresh basil or oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you crave heat.

Remember, the key to ensuring a juicy meatloaf is not to skip the resting time. Once you pull it from the oven, allow the meatloaf to rest for a full 10 minutes. This time lets the juices redistribute, which significantly enhances the overall flavor and texture.

Making It Yours

Perfecting results

Perfecting your stuffed Italian meatloaf involves understanding your oven and recipe adjustments. Using a meat thermometer can help you achieve perfect doneness. Monitor the internal temperature closely, aiming for 160°F.

If the top of your meatloaf browns too quickly, cover it with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can adjust the baking time based on the size of your loaf; a larger loaf may take longer, while smaller ones will cook faster.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your stuffed Italian meatloaf turns out dense, you might have overworked the meat mixture or added too many bread crumbs. Adjust the bread crumbs in your next attempt. In contrast, if you find your meatloaf dry, consider adding more milk or egg for better moisture balance.

Variations can also add excitement to your meatloaf game. Substitute the mozzarella cheese with cheddar or provolone for a unique twist on the classic recipe. You could even explore mixing in diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

Serving and Enjoying

Serving/presentation

Presenting your stuffed Italian meatloaf invites admiration from family and friends. Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces, letting the gooey cheese peek through the center. Arrange the slices artfully on a serving platter, spooning extra marinara sauce over the top for a vibrant pop of color.

Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or basil for an added layer of visual appeal. The contrast of the sauces with the golden meatloaf creates an inviting dish that draws everyone in.

Pairings/storage

Your stuffed Italian meatloaf pairs wonderfully with sides like garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget about a hearty serving of pasta, which complements the flavors beautifully.

For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven, ensuring the meatloaf retains its deliciousness. You can freeze it for longer storage, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal even on busy days.

Final Thoughts on Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Creating a stuffed Italian meatloaf is an experience in itself, blending flavors and memories into one delightful dish. This recipe not only satisfies your hunger but also brings loved ones closer, making every meal special. The laughter shared around the table, the rich aroma wafting through the air, and the joy of biting into that cheesy center will always make this meatloaf a cherished staple in your recipe collection.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Author: emily
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Meat-based

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful stuffed meatloaf featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, and a gooey mozzarella center, perfect for family gatherings.

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.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
Add the milk, salt, and pepper, then mix until fully combined.
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.

Notes

Allow the meat mixture to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before forming the loaf for better flavor meld. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian