Quick & Juicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe for Dinner

Crafting a mouthwatering mozzarella stuffed meatloaf brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Juicy ground beef becomes a canvas for melted cheese magic.

Layers of flavor burst through each carefully rolled slice.

Home cooking reaches new heights with this crowd-pleasing classic.

Savory herbs and rich cheese create an irresistible combination.

Imagine cutting into a perfectly seasoned loaf and watching cheese ooze out deliciously.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Flavor Variations for Stuffed Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Mozzarella Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers, ensuring a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Turkey Mozzarella Meatloaf: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat version that still maintains rich flavor and cheesy goodness.
• Vegetarian Cheese Stuffed Loaf: Use plant-based ground meat substitute mixed with mushrooms and lentils, stuffing with dairy or vegan mozzarella for a meat-free protein-packed meal.

Serving Suggestions for Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes that perfectly soak up the rich marinara sauce, creating a delightful flavor blend.
• Veggie Companion: Roast a colorful mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus alongside the meatloaf for a nutritious and vibrant side dish.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, herbal note that cuts through the meat's richness and enhances the overall presentation.
• Wine Pairing: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot, which will beautifully balance the savory meatloaf and cheesy interior.

Storage Tips for Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

• Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavor and texture intact.
• Slice the meatloaf, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining its delicious taste.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Ensure the meat mixture is evenly spread and rolled tightly, and seal the edges well when forming the loaf to keep the mozzarella inside during baking.

• Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?

While Parmesan adds flavor, you can omit it or replace it with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano if you prefer or don’t have it on hand.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Highlights

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic meatloaf into a gourmet experience with melty mozzarella cheese hidden inside, creating a delightful surprise in every slice.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Perfect for family meals or gatherings, this recipe combines familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlines cooking process by using a single baking sheet or loaf pan, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe an ideal weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that forms the core of the meatloaf.
• Eggs: A binding agent that helps hold the meatloaf together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy cheese that creates a delicious molten center in the meatloaf.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: A combination that adds moisture and helps bind the meat mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp cheese that provides depth of flavor to the meatloaf.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add rich, savory notes to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: A blend of spices that enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.
• Marinara Sauce: A tangy tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and additional flavor to the top of the meatloaf.

How to Prepare Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting ready for a mouthwatering meaty adventure.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Mix everything together with your hands until it’s perfectly blended, breaking up any stubborn beef chunks.

Step 3: Flatten the Meat Canvas

Spread out a sheet of parchment paper and gently press the meat mixture into a rectangular shape, aiming for about 12-inch thickness.

This will be your delicious base.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cheese Surprise

Generously scatter mozzarella cheese right down the center of your meat rectangle, creating a gooey hidden treasure.

Step 5: Roll and Seal the Flavor

Carefully roll the meat into a beautiful loaf, making sure to completely encase the melty mozzarella.

Pinch the edges to seal in all that cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Position the Loaf

Place your rolled meatloaf seam-side down on a greased baking sheet or inside a loaf pan, getting ready for its oven transformation.

Step 7: Add the Saucy Topping

Generously drizzle marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf, creating a delicious crimson coating.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 160F (71C).

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf take a quick 10-minute break before slicing.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly tender and flavorful.

Helpful Tips for Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

• Pinch meat edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect cheesy center.
• Select ground beef with 85-90% lean meat to keep meatloaf moist without excessive greasiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm 160F internal temperature for safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Allow meatloaf to rest 10 minutes before cutting to help it hold shape and retain juicy texture.
• Experiment with different cheese types like cheddar or provolone for unique taste variations.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting mozzarella stuffed meatloaf brings Italian-American cuisine to your dinner table with hearty flavors. Cheese-filled meat creates a delicious centerpiece that home cooks will savor and guests will appreciate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Liquid and Fresh Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) marinara sauce (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Parmesan, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
3. Lay out a parchment paper and gently spread the meat mixture into a uniform rectangular shape, maintaining an approximately 1/2-inch thickness.
4. Distribute mozzarella cheese across the meat’s central region, leaving a small border around the edges to facilitate rolling.
5. Carefully lift the parchment paper’s edge to assist in rolling the meat into a compact cylindrical form, ensuring the cheese remains enclosed within the meat.
6. Transfer the rolled meatloaf to a lightly greased baking sheet or loaf pan, positioning the seam facing downward to prevent cheese leakage.
7. Generously ladle marinara sauce over the meatloaf’s surface, covering it completely for enhanced flavor and moisture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, verifying doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
9. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps stabilize the internal structure and makes slicing easier.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter, healthier meatloaf.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or provolone for unique flavor variations.
• Ensure the meat is evenly rolled to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg