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Savory Italian Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella

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A tender, juicy meatloaf stuffed with gooey mozzarella and topped with a tangy, herb-packed marinara sauce. This easy Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 3/4 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into sticks or chunks
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish with olive oil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Divide the meat mixture in half. Press one half into the bottom of the loaf pan or shape into a 9×5 inch rectangular base on a baking sheet.
  4. Arrange mozzarella sticks evenly over the meat base, leaving a small border around the edges.
  5. Cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges by pinching the sides together.
  6. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the top, then drizzle with olive oil.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is slightly caramelized.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice into thick pieces, serve with extra marinara sauce if desired.

Notes

If the meatloaf browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep it tender. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent cheese from oozing out too fast. For a gluten-free version, substitute almond flour for breadcrumbs. Fresh mozzarella melts best but shredded can be used with a different texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, Italian meatloaf, stuffed meatloaf, mozzarella, marinara, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/savory-italian-stuffed-meatloaf-with-mozzarella-easy-recipe-for-dinner/