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Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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.
  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

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