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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Shape the Loaf: On a large sheet of parchment paper, spread the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the rolled meatloaf seam side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep it sealed during baking.
- Top with Marinara Sauce: Spoon additional marinara sauce generously over the top of the meatloaf for added moisture and flavor.
- 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.
- 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
