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Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★

3.8 from 28 reviews

This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a flavorful, hearty dish combining ground beef and Italian sausage with aromatic herbs and cheeses. Filled with gooey mozzarella, fresh spinach, and tangy marinara, it bakes to perfection with a savory Parmesan crust. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this meatloaf serves 6 and pairs wonderfully with pasta or a crisp salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 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

Filling and Topping

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup marinara sauce (for stuffing)
  • ½ cup marinara sauce (for topping)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the meatloaf.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground beef, Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper, and blend everything together until fully combined but not overmixed.
  3. Shape Meatloaf Base: On a baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf approximately 9 by 12 inches, ensuring the base is even and firm.
  4. Prepare Filling: Create a well or hollow in the center of the meatloaf base, then stuff it evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach if using, and a spoonful (about ¼ cup) of marinara sauce.
  5. Seal Meatloaf: Carefully fold the meat mixture around the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal the stuffed center, forming a closed loaf shape.
  6. Add Topping: Spread the remaining ½ cup marinara sauce evenly over the top of the sealed meatloaf, then sprinkle the ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese on top for a flavorful crust.
  7. Bake: Place the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring it is cooked through.
  8. Rest the Meatloaf: Remove from oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making slicing easier and preventing dryness.
  9. Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm. Optionally, add extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping or topping.

Notes

  • Using Italian sausage adds extra flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
  • Spinach is optional but adds a nice pop of color and nutrients.
  • Make sure to not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest is important to keep it juicy when sliced.
  • You can swap marinara for your favorite pasta sauce for different flavor twists.

Keywords: Italian meatloaf, stuffed meatloaf, baked meatloaf, mozzarella, Italian sausage, savory meatloaf

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