Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, featuring a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage wrapped around a gooey mozzarella and spinach filling. Topped with marinara sauce and Parmesan, it’s perfect for a family dinner that impresses with flavor and heartiness.

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 (for filling)
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, soak the bread crumbs in the milk for 5 minutes before mixing them into the meat mixture.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano in place of Italian seasoning to add a different flavor.
• Omit spinach if you prefer a more traditional cheese-filled meatloaf.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked meatloaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use only ground beef instead of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute all ground beef if you prefer. The Italian sausage adds flavor and fat, so consider adding a bit more seasoning or a teaspoon of olive oil to keep it moist.

Is it necessary to add spinach to the filling?

No, spinach is optional and can be omitted if you don’t like it or don’t have any on hand. The meatloaf will still be delicious with just mozzarella and marinara filling.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

This stuffed Italian meatloaf combines ground beef and Italian sausage seasoned with traditional herbs and Parmesan cheese, filled with melted mozzarella, spinach, and marinara sauce, then baked to perfection. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.

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

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 (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Add milk along with salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything until fully blended.
3. Form Meatloaf: On a baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf approximately 9 by 12 inches in size.
4. Add Filling: Create a well or indentation in the center of the meatloaf. Fill this cavity with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach if desired, and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
5. Seal Loaf: Gently fold the meat around the filling, carefully sealing all edges to encase the stuffing fully within the meatloaf.
6. Top Meatloaf: Spread the remaining 1/2 cup marinara sauce evenly over the shaped meatloaf and sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) ensuring it is fully cooked.
8. Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute for easier slicing.
9. Serve: Slice the rested meatloaf and serve with extra marinara sauce if desired for additional flavor.

Notes

• Using a food thermometer to check internal temperature ensures safe doneness at 160°F.
• Spinach in the filling is optional but adds a nutritious green element.
• Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps maintain juiciness.
• For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef and turkey Italian sausage.
• Leftover meatloaf can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: meatloaf, Italian meatloaf, stuffed meatloaf, Italian sausage, mozzarella, baked meatloaf, family dinner, comfort food