Description
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful main dish combining ground beef and Italian sausage with a cheesy mozzarella and marinara filling. Perfectly seasoned with Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and Italian herbs, this baked meatloaf offers a comforting twist with its gooey cheesy center and rich tomato topping. A satisfying and family-friendly meal ideal for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture soak for a few minutes to soften the breadcrumbs and incorporate moisture into the meat mixture.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: Add ground beef, ground Italian sausage, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the soaked breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in a tough texture.
- Shape Meatloaf Base: On a sheet of parchment paper, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular shape approximately 1 inch thick, ensuring even thickness to promote uniform cooking.
- Add Filling: Spread shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the center of the meat rectangle, then add marinara sauce on top of the cheese, leaving a border around the edges uncovered to help seal the roll.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll the meat mixture into a log shape, using the parchment paper to assist. Seal the edges well to prevent the cheesy filling from leaking out during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the rolled meatloaf to a baking dish seam-side down to prevent it from unrolling. Spread additional marinara sauce on top for extra flavor and moisture.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful. Slice and serve with extra marinara sauce or your preferred sides.
Notes
- Use a mix of beef and pork sausage for deeper flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the meat ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Serve with additional marinara sauce or a side of pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
