Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a comforting twist on a classic dish, filled with gooey mozzarella, fresh spinach, and rich marinara sauce. It combines savory ground beef and Italian sausage with aromatic herbs for a flavorful meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper, then mix everything together until fully combined.
3. Step 3: On a baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf approximately 9 by 12 inches.
4. Step 4: Create a well in the center of the meatloaf and fill it with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach if using, and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
5. Step 5: Carefully fold the meat around the filling, sealing all edges to form a loaf.
6. Step 6: Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Step 8: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with extra marinara sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use spicy Italian sausage.
• If you prefer a softer texture, soak bread crumbs in milk for a few minutes before mixing.
• Swap spinach with fresh basil or omit it altogether for a more classic flavor.
• Use turkey or chicken ground meat for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short intervals. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatloaf wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf without the spinach?

Yes, the spinach is optional and can be omitted if you prefer or don’t have it on hand. The meatloaf will still be flavorful and delicious without it.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The best way to ensure the meatloaf is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) before removing it from the oven.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 114 reviews

A savory and hearty Stuffed Italian Meatloaf combining ground beef and Italian sausage, stuffed with melted mozzarella, spinach, and marinara sauce, then baked to perfection with a flavorful marinara topping and Parmesan cheese crust.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Filling:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce

Topping:

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly.
2. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, ground Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Add the milk along with salt and pepper to taste, then mix until all ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed.
3. Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto a baking sheet and shape it into a rectangular loaf approximately 9 by 12 inches in size, creating a base for the filling.
4. Add the Filling: Make a well in the center of the shaped meatloaf and carefully stuff it with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach if using, and a spoonful of marinara sauce to infuse it with classic Italian flavors.
5. Seal the Meatloaf: Carefully fold the meat mixture over the filling, sealing the edges to enclose the cheese and spinach completely, forming a neat loaf.
6. Top the Meatloaf: Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful crust once baked.
7. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring the meat is cooked through and safe to eat.
8. Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and more flavorful.
9. Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve it warm with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired for added moisture and taste.

Notes

• Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
• Use fresh parsley and Italian seasoning for the best flavor.
• Spinach is optional but adds a nice texture and nutrients.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
• Allowing the meatloaf to rest helps retain moisture and improves slicing.

Keywords: stuffed meatloaf, Italian meatloaf, mozzarella stuffed meatloaf, baked meatloaf recipe, easy meatloaf dinner