Stuffed Italian Meatloaf: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed Italian meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground meat with savory fillings for a comforting meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers rich Italian flavors wrapped in a tender meatloaf. The melted cheese and herbs inside make every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for topping)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Optional: sliced pepperoni or prosciutto for stuffing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, sauté the chopped onions and garlic over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, basil, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.
5. Step 5: On a sheet of parchment paper, shape the meat mixture into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
6. Step 6: Evenly spread shredded mozzarella over the top, leaving a small border. Add pepperoni or prosciutto slices if desired.
7. Step 7: Using the parchment, carefully roll the meat into a log, enclosing the filling.
8. Step 8: Place the rolled loaf seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Spoon additional marinara sauce over the top for extra flavor.
10. Step 10: Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
11. Step 11: Remove from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley to enhance flavor significantly compared to dried herbs.
• Check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (70°C) for safety.
• Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for extra moisture and flavor.
• Mix marinara sauce with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a tangy glaze.
• Try adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a bit of heat and depth.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with lentils or a plant-based protein.
• Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or cheddar for varied tastes.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce to spice it up.
• Include grated zucchini or carrots in the mixture for added nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What if I don’t have marinara sauce?

You can substitute with any tomato-based sauce or even BBQ sauce for a unique flavor twist.

Can I use other meats?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are lighter alternatives that still provide good flavor.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Dinner Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Stuffed Italian meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground meat with Italian herbs, sautéed onions and garlic, and a luscious cheese-filled center. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, featuring melted mozzarella and optional cured meats rolled inside a perfectly seasoned meatloaf, baked to juicy perfection with marinara sauce topping. Its comforting textures and aromatic flavors create a memorable culinary experience embodying classic Italian taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for topping)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Optional Filling

• Sliced pepperoni or prosciutto for stuffing (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, chopped basil, the sautéed onions and garlic, eggs, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix Until Well Combined: Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix all ingredients just until combined, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep the texture tender.
5. Shape the Loaf: On a large sheet of parchment paper, spread the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
6. Add Filling: Evenly spread shredded mozzarella cheese over the rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. If desired, add slices of pepperoni or prosciutto on top of the cheese for extra flavor.
7. Roll the Meatloaf: Using the parchment paper to assist, carefully roll the meat mixture into a log shape, enclosing the cheese and fillings inside, sealing the edges as best as possible.
8. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the rolled meatloaf seam side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep it sealed during baking.
9. Top with Marinara Sauce: Spoon additional marinara sauce generously over the top of the meatloaf for added moisture and flavor.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
11. Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist when sliced.

Notes

• Use fresh parsley and basil for the most vibrant flavor.
• Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture.
• A meat thermometer ensures safe and perfect cooking at 160°F (70°C).
• Feel free to add grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the meat mixture for extra moisture and nutrition.
• Mix marinara sauce with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a tangy glaze variation.
• Customize the filling with different cheeses or cured meats like pepperoni or prosciutto.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: stuffed meatloaf, Italian meatloaf, baked meatloaf recipe, mozzarella stuffed meatloaf, Italian dinner recipe, ground beef meatloaf, cozy dinner ideas