Description
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef and Italian sausage with a savory cheese and spinach filling. Topped with marinara sauce and Parmesan, it’s a comforting classic perfect for family dinners.
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 at the right temperature when the meatloaf is ready to bake.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Add the milk along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until fully combined to create the meat mixture.
- Form Meatloaf: On a baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf approximately 9 by 12 inches in size, ensuring it’s even for consistent cooking.
- Stuff the Loaf: Create a well in the center of the loaf and fill it with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach if using, and a generous spoonful of marinara sauce to add moisture and flavor inside.
- Seal the Meatloaf: Carefully fold the meat around the filling, pressing the edges together to seal everything inside, forming a neat loaf shape.
- Add Topping: Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese to form a flavorful crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest before Serving: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist, tender slice when cutting.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve it with extra marinara sauce if desired for added flavor and moisture.
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 to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap the meatloaf tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating to preserve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
