Print

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

Stuffed Italian meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground meat with savory Italian herbs, garlic, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe features a delicious blend of beef (or beef and pork), fresh herbs, and a cheesy filling, baked to perfection and topped with marinara sauce. It’s easy to prepare, offers flexibility for various filling options, and results in a comforting, nostalgic meal that impresses with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 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

Filling

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Optional: sliced pepperoni or prosciutto for stuffing

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before mixing.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, chopped basil, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, 1 cup marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using hands or a wooden spoon to incorporate everything without overworking the meat.
  4. Shape the Loaf: On a parchment paper sheet, spread the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, forming an even layer.
  5. Add Filling: Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. If desired, add sliced pepperoni or prosciutto on top of the cheese for extra flavor.
  6. Roll the Meatloaf: Carefully roll the meat mixture into a log shape using the parchment paper, enclosing the cheese and any additional stuffing inside the loaf.
  7. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the rolled meatloaf seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep it intact during baking.
  8. Top with Marinara Sauce: Spoon extra marinara sauce generously over the top of the meatloaf to enhance flavor and moisture.
  9. Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  10. Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender slice.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil and parsley for best flavor; dried herbs can be used but fresh herbs brighten the dish.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking (160°F/70°C).
  • Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture for extra moisture and flavor.
  • For a tangy glaze, mix marinara sauce with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and brush on top before baking.
  • Experiment with spices like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy or smoky flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Use parchment paper to easily roll and transfer the meatloaf without sticking.

Keywords: stuffed meatloaf, Italian meatloaf recipe, baked meatloaf, ground beef meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, family dinner, comfort food, Italian herbs, marinara meatloaf

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/stuffed-italian-meatloaf-recipe/