This stuffed Italian meatloaf is a cozy dish packed with flavor! The juicy meat is filled with gooey cheese and tasty herbs, making every slice a delight.
Imagine cutting into this loaf and seeing that melted cheese inside—talk about a happy kitchen moment! I love serving it with a side of pasta or fresh bread. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A mix of lean ground beef gives great flavor and texture. If you want a leaner option, go for ground turkey or chicken, but note that it may make the meatloaf a bit dryer.
Ground Pork: This adds richness and moisture. You can swap it for more beef or turkey, but a bit of pork really enhances the taste!
Italian-style Breadcrumbs: These create a delicious crust. If you’re out, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers will work, but I recommend adding some Italian herbs to personalize the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Offers a lovely salty kick. Grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be good substitutes if you’re avoiding dairy.
Shredded Mozzarella: It’s gooey and melty, perfect for stuffing. For a twist, try provolone or cheddar, but mozzarella is my favorite for its meltiness.
How Do You Get Juicy Meatloaf with Cheese Inside?
The trick to making a juicy meatloaf that keeps the cheese inside is how you mix and form it. Do not over-mix your meat mixture, as that can lead to a dense loaf.
- Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed—this keeps the texture light.
- When spreading the first half of the meat mixture, make sure to leave a border for the cheese. Seal the edges well to keep that cheesy goodness inside.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking. This gives the cheese time to set a bit, making slicing easier.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delightful meatloaf bursting with flavor and melting cheese! Enjoy your cooking!
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for stuffing)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful stuffed meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 60-70 minutes to cook, plus a 10-minute resting time before slicing. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious meal in just over an hour and a half!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the meatloaf once you’ve prepared it.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they turn soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
3. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add in the sautéed onion and garlic, along with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until everything is well mixed but be careful not to overdo it!
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
On a large piece of parchment paper or foil, spread half of the meat mixture into a rectangular shape approximately 9 x 12 inches. The goal is to create a flat base for the cheese stuffing.
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat layer, making sure to leave about an inch border around the edges for sealing.
6. Form the Loaf:
Now, take the remaining half of the meat mixture and carefully spread it over the cheese layer, ensuring that you seal the edges well so the cheese doesn’t leak out during cooking. Form it into a loaf shape.
7. Transfer and Top with Sauce:
Move the meatloaf to a baking dish and spread the marinara sauce evenly on top. This will keep your meatloaf moist and add extra flavor!
8. Bake:
Put the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 60-70 minutes or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
9. Let it Rest:
Once baking is done, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese filling to set properly.
10. Serve:
Carefully slice the meatloaf and serve warm. Feel free to garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan for a finishing touch!
Enjoy your hearty, cheesy stuffed Italian meatloaf with family and friends!
FAQ for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef and Pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that it may yield a slightly drier meatloaf, so consider adding a little extra moisture, like an additional tablespoon of milk or some broth.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No worries! You can use any pasta sauce or even pesto as an alternative. For a simple option, mix crushed tomatoes with some Italian herbs and a pinch of salt for a quick homemade sauce.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also enjoy it cold in sandwiches!