This Mozzarella-Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food—juicy, flavorful, and oozing with melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, it combines classic Italian seasonings with a gooey cheese center for a meal everyone will rave about.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Ground pork | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Whole milk | 1/2 cup |
| Small onion, finely diced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
For the Filling & Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
| Marinara or tomato basil sauce | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella (for topping) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish) | As needed |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently by hand until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
- On a sheet of parchment or foil, flatten the mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly down the center, leaving space at the edges.
- Carefully roll the meat over the cheese, like a jelly roll, sealing the edges to keep the cheese inside. Transfer the loaf to the prepared pan or place it free-form on a baking sheet for a rustic appearance.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, allowing the aromas of garlic, herbs, and meat to fill the kitchen.
- Remove from the oven, spoon marinara sauce generously over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. Return to the oven for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This ensures juicy slices and keeps the cheese from running away.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for the most melty, gooey center.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the filling.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
