Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Get Ready for a Flavor Explosion

Picture this: a savory meatloaf that’s not just any meatloaf, but one that’s oozing with melted cheese and packed with classic Italian flavors. Stuffed Italian meatloaf is a delicious twist on your traditional recipe, combining ground beef and sausage into a hearty dish that’s perfect for any dinner table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to whip it up again and again!

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you get excited about this stuffed meatloaf? Well, let me tell you:

1. Easy Cleanup: You can feel like a master chef without needing a mountain of dishes — all you need is one bowl and a baking sheet!
2. Family-Friendly: Everyone from toddlers to picky eaters loves the cheesy goodness hidden inside. Who can resist cheese, right?
3. Affordable Comfort Food: It’s a budget-friendly meal that feels fancy but won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s totally homemade!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 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

Directions

Ready to dive into this cheesy goodness? Just follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
3. Add milk, salt, and pepper, then mix until fully combined.
4. On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf (about 9×12 inches).
5. Create a well in the center of the meatloaf and stuff with mozzarella cheese, spinach (if using), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
6. Carefully fold the meat around the filling, sealing the edges to form a loaf.
7. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.

How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf (Overview)

Making this delicious meatloaf is simpler than you think! Start by preheating your oven and throwing together the meat mixture in a bowl. Mix everything well and then scoop out some space for that cheesy goodness because heck yes, you want all the cheese!

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the resting time – it helps the flavors meld together and makes for easier slicing.

How to Serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Serve this beauty with a side of garlicky bread or a crisp green salad. The colors pop, with that rich, inviting maroon from the marinara and warm gold from the melted cheese. Don’t forget to drizzle a bit more marinara on the plate — it’s a flavor upgrade you won’t regret!

How to Store Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Got leftovers? They keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat slices in the microwave or oven. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months! Make-ahead meals, anyone?

Tips to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Here are some insider tricks to up your meatloaf game:

• Add a splash of your favorite Italian wine to the meat mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mix in different types of cheese, like provolone or cheddar, to switch it up.
• If you want more greens, sneak in chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You could easily make this recipe vegan by substituting plant-based ground meat and flax eggs. You could also swap marinara for a BBQ sauce if you’re craving that smoky flavor. The sky’s the limit!

FAQs

1. Can I prepare Stuffed Italian Meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can swap in ground turkey for a lighter option, though it might require a little more seasoning.

3. How can I ensure my meatloaf stays moist?
Using a mix of ground beef and sausage helps keep it juicy, plus make sure to rest after baking!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

A savory, cheesy meatloaf packed with classic Italian flavors, combining ground beef and sausage for a hearty meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Filling

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 lbs ground Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated divided into two portions
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup milk
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Sauce and Topping

• 0.25 cup marinara sauce
• 0.5 cup marinara sauce for topping
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated for topping

Method

 

Preparation

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

Assembly and Baking

1. On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf (about 9x12 inches).
2. Create a well in the center of the meatloaf and stuff with mozzarella cheese, spinach (if using), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
3. Carefully fold the meat around the filling, sealing the edges to form a loaf.
4. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.

Notes

Tip: Don't skip the resting time as it helps the flavors meld together and makes for easier slicing. You can also prepare this ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.