Description
A hearty and flavorful Stuffed Italian Meatloaf recipe featuring a savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, Italian herbs, and a cheesy spinach-stuffed center, all baked to perfection and topped with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
Topping
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper, then mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Form Meatloaf Base: On a baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf approximately 9×12 inches in size.
- Create Filling Well: Make a well or indentation in the center of the meatloaf base. Fill this cavity with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach (if using), and about ¼ cup of marinara sauce.
- Seal the Loaf: Gently fold the edges of the meat around the filling to enclose it completely, forming a sealed loaf to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Add Topping: Spread the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf and sprinkle the surface with the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute for a moist, flavorful loaf.
- Serve: Slice and serve the meatloaf, optionally accompanied by extra marinara sauce on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the meatloaf is cooked safely and perfectly.
- Spinach is optional but adds a healthy touch and extra flavor.
- Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing helps keep it moist and prevents crumbling.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
