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Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

A delicious and comforting Stuffed Italian Meatloaf featuring a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, filled with melted mozzarella, spinach, and marinara sauce. Topped with marinara and Parmesan for an authentic Italian twist, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

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 evenly.
  2. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper, then mix thoroughly until fully combined to ensure a well-flavored meat mixture.
  3. Shape the Meatloaf: On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf approximately 9×12 inches in size, creating enough space for the filling.
  4. Add the Filling: Create a well or cavity in the center of the meatloaf, then stuff it with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach if desired, and a spoonful of marinara sauce to add a gooey, flavorful center.
  5. Seal the Loaf: Carefully fold the meat mixture around the filling, sealing the edges completely to encase the filling inside and prevent leaks during baking.
  6. Top the Meatloaf: Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese to develop a flavorful crust as it bakes.
  7. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve with extra marinara sauce if desired for added flavor.

Notes

  • Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the meatloaf is cooked perfectly without drying out.
  • Spinach in the filling is optional and can be omitted or substituted with other greens like kale.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain moistness and prevents crumbling.
  • Use fresh herbs if available for enhanced flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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

Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/stuffed-italian-meatloaf-recipe-3/