Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
A savory and satisfying meatloaf filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and Italian flavors, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
Stuffing
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded For stuffing
Topping
- Marinara sauce For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf about 1 inch thick on a baking sheet or lined baking dish.
- Create a pocket in the center of the meatloaf by making a groove and fill it with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Fold the edges of the meatloaf over the cheese and press to seal.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- For the last 10 minutes of baking, pour marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Notes
Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for additional flavor. Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a lighter option. Serve leftover marinara on the side.