Description
A delicious and hearty Stuffed Italian Meatloaf featuring a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, filled with gooey mozzarella and spinach, topped with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner that combines classic Italian flavors with a satisfying meatloaf texture.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
Topping:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Prepare meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper, then mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the meatloaf: On a baking sheet, spread and form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf approximately 9 by 12 inches in size.
- Add filling: Create a well in the center of the loaf, then stuff it with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach if using, and a spoonful of marinara sauce for flavor and moisture.
- Seal the loaf: Carefully fold the meat mixture over the filling and seal the edges tightly to encase the cheese and spinach inside the meatloaf.
- Add topping: Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making it moist and easier to slice.
- Serve: Slice and serve the meatloaf warm, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Variations: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the meatloaf tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
