Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Hello, my foodie friends!
I know we just made my Smoked Cheesy Meatloaf a couple of weeks ago, but I couldn’t resist bringing you another incredible meatloaf recipe. This Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is truly irresistible.
The idea for my Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatloaf came to me during a night out with friends and family. Someone ordered a giant meatball as an appetizer. That moment sparked a delicious inspiration, and I knew I had to turn that concept into something even more comforting and satisfying!
This meatloaf is packed with bold Italian flavors—savory herbs, gooey melted mozzarella, and my Spicy Homemade Marinara Sauce. If you’re short on time, you can absolutely use a jarred sauce. I have left a link here for my favorite store bought marinara sauce. Rao’s Marinara Pasta Sauce. but trust me. Homemade is worth every second! Either way, this dish is incredibly moist, bursting with cheesy goodness, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is pure comfort food—one that will quickly become a household favorite. So grab your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s get cooking!
How to Get That Gooey Cheese Center
Step 1: Mixing the meat
Mix all of your ingredients until well combined.
Step 2: Dividing the meat
Divide the meat mixture in half.
Step 3: Creating the boat
Place one half on a parchment-lined baking sheet and shape it into a boat, creating a well in the center.
Step 4: Stuffing with cheese
Fill the well with plenty of mozzarella (and a little marinara, if you love it extra juicy!).
Step 5: Creating the loaf
Cover with the remaining meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, sealing in all that cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Toppings
Spread a layer of marinara over the top and bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes.
Step 7: Finishing touches
Remove from the oven, add another spoonful of marinara and the rest of the cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches 160 degrees.
While it finishes baking, pour yourself a glass of wine and relax—because soon, you’ll be slicing into one of the most flavorful, comforting meatloaf’s you’ve ever had!
Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Equipment
- Large Bowel
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 Lb. Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Lb. Hot Italian Sausage
- 1 Cup Italian Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Sweet Onion Chopped
- 3 Tsp. Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp. Italian Seasoning
- 1 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley
- 1 Tsp. Salt
- 1/2 Tsp. Black Pepper
- 2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese Divided
- 1 Cup Marinara Sauce I use my home made sauce.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 Degrees.
- In a large bowel, combine the ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, milk ,eggs, onion, garlic, seasoning and herbs.
- Cut the mixture in half and place one on a paper lined baking sheet, and shape into a boat.
- Fill the boat with the1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and place the the other half of the meat mixture over top and shape into a loaf.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce over the top.
- Bake in the oven for 40 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the rest of the marinara sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake for another 15 minutes, or until it reaches 160 degrees.
Notes
Final Thoughts
This Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf is just one of many ways you can get creative with a simple meatloaf recipe. Now that I’ve jumped down this rabbit hole, I can think of so many other recipes to share with you in the future. So, stay tuned, and let’s see what delicious creations we come up with next time!
What’s your favorite way to use marinara sauce? Let me know in the comments below!