Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is hands-down one of those magical dinners that brings the whole table together. Imagine a tender, juicy meatloaf, packed with classic Italian flavors, and then—just when you think you know what to expect—a gooey, cheesy, savory surprise in every slice! With rich beef and sausage, aromatic herbs, and a molten core of mozzarella and spinach, this dish hits every comfort food note. If you’re ready to turn an everyday meal into a centerpiece, this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is about to become your new favorite family recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’re just a handful of simple ingredients away from an unforgettably savory meal! Each component of this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, moisture, or that beloved Italian flavor profile. Don’t skip anything—the magic is in the details!
- Ground beef (1 ½ lbs): The main event, giving the meatloaf its hearty base and classic flavor.
- Ground Italian sausage (½ lb): This boosts flavor with just the right hint of spice and fat.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Essential for sweetness and depth.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): No real Italian dish is complete without a little garlicky punch!
- Bread crumbs (1 cup): They keep the meatloaf moist and help bind everything together.
- Eggs (2 large): The ultimate binder, ensuring every slice holds together perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup + ¼ cup): Adds unmistakable Italian flair and a hint of salty sharpness inside and on top.
- Italian seasoning (2 tbsp): This dried herb blend brings much-loved flavor notes that scream Italian comfort food.
- Parsley, chopped (1 tbsp): Fresh, green, and vibrant—it brightens the whole dish.
- Milk (½ cup): A splash for tenderness—don’t skip it if you want that ideal texture!
- Salt and pepper: For balance and to lift every other flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Here’s where the stuffing magic happens—embrace the melt!
- Spinach, chopped (1 cup, optional): If you like your meatloaf with extra color and a hidden veggie boost, this is your go-to.
- Marinara sauce (¼ cup for stuffing, ½ cup for topping): Classic Italian tomato goodness, both inside and out.
How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F. Giving your oven plenty of time to heat up ensures that your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf cooks evenly and develops that irresistible golden crust on top. While it’s preheating, take a moment to gather your ingredients—it makes the whole process so much smoother!
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Pour in the milk, season generously with salt and pepper, and use your hands to mix everything until just combined. Don’t overwork the mixture—gentle hands keep your meatloaf moist and tender.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, shape the meat mixture into a rectangle, about 9 by 12 inches. You’re essentially building a flat canvas for that delicious stuffing. Pat it down to an even thickness so it cooks through properly.
Step 4: Add the Stuffing
Create a well down the center of your meat rectangle, leaving at least a couple of inches around the edges. Pile in the mozzarella cheese, spinach (if you’re using it), and about ¼ cup marinara sauce. This is the “wow” moment—the cheese will melt and the spinach will turn silky and flavorful inside.
Step 5: Fold and Seal
Carefully bring the edges of the meatloaf up and around the stuffing, pinching and sealing the seams so none of that cheesy goodness tries to escape while baking. Smooth everything out gently so you have a well-shaped loaf. It doesn’t need to be perfectly neat—rustic is gorgeous!
Step 6: Add the Topping
Spread the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce all over the top of your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf. Sprinkle on the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a crave-worthy, bubbly finish after baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the assembled loaf into your preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This ensures your meat is fully cooked and safe, and all that cheese is perfectly melted inside.
Step 8: Rest Before Slicing
Let your meatloaf rest out of the oven for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This little pause lets everything settle so your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf holds together beautifully on the plate and all those juices stay put.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your meatloaf and serve with extra marinara sauce if you want a splash of that classic Italian zing. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, you’re set for compliments!
How to Serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few basil leaves adds a wonderful pop of green and fragrance just before serving. If you want to get more decadent, try a drizzle of olive oil or an extra shower of grated Parmesan over each slice of Stuffed Italian Meatloaf. The fresh herbs really brighten up the rich, savory flavors!
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with the classics: a big bowl of buttery mashed potatoes, your favorite pasta tossed in olive oil, or roasted veggies all pair perfectly with Stuffed Italian Meatloaf. If you’re craving something lighter, a crisp Caesar salad or garlicky green beans do the trick, balancing out the richness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf sliced and layered on a platter, fanned out to showcase the cheesy, colorful center. For an appetizer-friendly version, slice it thick and arrange pieces over toasted baguette rounds. If you want to dazzle guests, drizzle each slice with a swirl of balsamic glaze or scatter roasted tomatoes around the plate for extra Italian flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Stuffed Italian Meatloaf tightly in foil or store in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and is just as satisfying the next day—if not better!
Freezing
For the ultimate make-ahead option, you can freeze the whole loaf either baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing unbaked, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven until hot (about 15–20 minutes), or give them a quick zap in the microwave. Add a splash of marinara to keep everything moist and flavorful. For a larger portion, gently reheat the whole loaf in the oven to preserve its lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey or chicken work great—just keep in mind you may want to add a touch more milk or a splash of olive oil to ensure the meatloaf stays moist since these meats are a bit leaner than beef and sausage.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Make sure you leave enough border around the sides when adding your filling, and firmly press the meat edges together to seal everything in. You can also chill the assembled loaf before baking to help it hold its shape.
Is the spinach necessary for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf?
Not at all! While the spinach adds color and a lovely nutritional boost, you can skip it or swap in other greens like kale or arugula, or leave it out entirely if you prefer a classic cheese-only center.
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
Feel free to get a little creative! If you don’t have marinara on hand, any tomato-based pasta sauce works well, or try pesto for a herby twist. Even sun-dried tomato tapenade can work in a pinch for a deeper, more robust flavor.
Can I assemble Stuffed Italian Meatloaf in advance?
Yes, you can shape and stuff the meatloaf up to a day ahead and refrigerate it (covered well) until ready to bake. This is a lifesaver for busy nights or entertaining—just bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a must-try. It’s loaded with flavor, filled with surprises, and sure to become a family favorite. I hope you gather your ingredients, give it a whirl, and share the joy (and maybe a few leftovers) with the people you love.
Print
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic dish, featuring a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and spinach, and topped with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Main Meatloaf:
- 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 filling)
- ½ cup marinara sauce (for topping)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf.
- Stuff the meatloaf.
- Seal and top the meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf.
- Rest and serve.
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.
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
- For a more flavorful meatloaf, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
- Make sure to let the meatloaf rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Experiment with different cheese options for the filling, such as provolone or cheddar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Stuffed Italian Meatloaf, Meatloaf Recipe, Italian Meatloaf, Stuffed Meatloaf
