Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish, featuring a savory filling of gooey mozzarella, vibrant spinach, and marinara sauce, all enveloped in seasoned beef and sausage.
Ingredients
Meat and Filling
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 0.5 lbs ground Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cup milk
- to taste Salt and pepper
Cheesy Filling
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
- 0.25 cup marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup marinara sauce
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper, then mix until fully combined.
- On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf (about 9×12 inches).
- Create a well in the center of the meatloaf and stuff with mozzarella cheese, spinach (if using), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
- Carefully fold the meat around the filling, sealing the edges to form a loaf.
- Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Cooking
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.
Notes
You can swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatloaf or use fresh herbs instead of dried for a flavor boost. The spinach is optional, but it adds great flavor and nutrition. Adjust the cheese filling according to your taste; provolone or fontina work beautifully.