Juicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delectable mozzarella stuffed meatloaf promises a mouthwatering adventure for dinner tonight.

Cheese lovers rejoice as each slice reveals a molten center of gooey goodness.

Classic comfort food meets gourmet twist in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Tender meat wrapped around melted cheese creates an irresistible combination that screams satisfaction.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight meals, this meatloaf will become your new favorite.

Prepare to wow everyone at the table with this delightful culinary creation.

Alternative Versions Of Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

• Turkey Meatloaf Makeover: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option, keeping the mozzarella cheese core for rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Cheese Stuffed Loaf: Replace ground meat with lentils, quinoa, or plant-based ground meat alternatives, maintaining the cheesy center and glaze.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Version: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, choose high-fat ground beef, and keep the mozzarella cheese filling intact.
• Mediterranean Inspired Variation: Mix ground lamb with Greek herbs, replace mozzarella with feta cheese, and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean profile.

Serving Suggestions For Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Slice this hearty meatloaf and serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting classic meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Gourmet Sandwich Transformation: Use cold leftover slices between crusty bread with fresh lettuce and extra cheese, turning yesterday's dinner into today's delicious lunch option.
• Italian-Inspired Plating: Garnish each slice with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan, then serve with roasted seasonal vegetables for a restaurant-quality presentation that elevates the humble meatloaf.

Proper Storage For Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to preserve moisture and prevent the meatloaf from drying out.
• Freeze whole or sliced meatloaf in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months, ensuring complete coverage to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat refrigerated meatloaf in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent overcooking. Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even heating throughout.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture to the meatloaf.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to completely seal the edges of the meat mixture when covering the mozzarella. Press the edges firmly to create a tight seal and prevent cheese from escaping during baking.

• Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture and provide a better texture. If you’re gluten-free, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as a substitute.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Full Of Flavor

• Cheesy Surprise Inside: Discover a delightful molten mozzarella center that transforms an ordinary meatloaf into a mouth-watering masterpiece.
• Simple Prep, Big Flavor: Mix ingredients quickly in one bowl, creating a hassle-free meal that doesn't compromise on taste or excitement.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners, this hearty dish brings everyone together with its rich, savory goodness and irresistible cheesy core.
• Glaze Game Strong: The tangy ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard topping adds a sweet and zesty kick that elevates the entire meatloaf experience.

Ingredients For Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and protein-rich base that provides the primary structure for the meatloaf.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that creates a delicious surprise filling in the center of the meatloaf.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: These ingredients work together to help bind the meatloaf and keep it moist and tender.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.

• Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that season the meat with warm and savory notes.
• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: A sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf, adding a delicious finishing touch.

How To Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a loaf pan and lightly grease it or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Egg
• Milk
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything thoroughly until the mixture looks uniform and well-combined.

Step 3: Create the First Meat Layer

Spread half of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a smooth base.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Surprise

Craft a shallow well in the center of the meat layer. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese into this space, ensuring you leave a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Seal the Cheese Inside

Carefully cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture. Gently press and seal the edges to completely enclose the mozzarella, preventing any cheese from leaking during cooking.

Step 6: Craft a Flavorful Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, creating a tantalizing golden-brown finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

The meatloaf is ready when its internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and delicious. Slice and serve hot.

Tips For Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier meatloaf.
• Ensure mozzarella is completely sealed inside the meat mixture to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Add extra herbs like fresh parsley or thyme to enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatloaf.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest properly after baking to help it set and make slicing easier, preventing the cheese from oozing out immediately.

Simple Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Italian-American mozzarella stuffed meatloaf brings comfort and excitement to dinner tables. Savory ground beef embraces melted cheese, creating a hearty meal families will crave with each delicious slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 1 large egg

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a loaf pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, milk, and aromatic spices until the mixture is uniformly combined.
3. Distribute half of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a smooth, consistent base layer.
4. Craft a gentle depression in the center of the meat layer, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella into the indentation, ensuring a small border remains around the edges.
5. Carefully layer the remaining meat mixture over the cheese, meticulously sealing the edges to completely encapsulate the mozzarella and prevent any leakage during cooking.
6. Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create a tangy glaze, then lovingly brush the entire surface of the meatloaf with the sweet and savory mixture.
7. Transfer the meatloaf to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (71C).
8. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the juices redistribute and ensures a more tender, flavorful result when slicing.

Notes

• Press meat edges firmly to prevent mozzarella from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect cheesy center in every slice.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version while maintaining the same rich, melty cheese filling and flavor profile.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Cover meatloaf with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent surface from drying out and keep the meat tender and juicy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg