Juicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe Everyone Will Crave

Crafting a hearty mozzarella stuffed meatloaf brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Juicy ground beef embraces melted cheese in every delectable slice.

Families adore this classic dish that combines simplicity with pure satisfaction.

Herbs and spices dance through the meat, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

Rich aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a memorable meal.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts unite over this incredible recipe.

Savor each bite and watch everyone request seconds.

Storing Meatloaf For Later Enjoyment

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent dryness. Add splash of broth to retain moisture.

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?

Make sure to seal the edges of the meatloaf tightly when rolling, and don’t overstuff with cheese. Leave a small border around the edges to help contain the mozzarella.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Is A Winner

• Unlock Cheesy Comfort: Dive into a mouthwatering meatloaf that oozes with melted mozzarella, transforming a classic dish into a crowd-pleasing sensation.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping seasonings or adding your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile meal that suits any taste preference.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and satisfying dinner solution.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the surprise cheese center, turning a traditional meatloaf into an exciting and playful meal that brings everyone to the table.

Shopping List For Mozzarella Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides the primary structure and flavor of the meatloaf.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that creates a delicious surprise filling for the meatloaf.
• Breadcrumbs: A binding ingredient that helps hold the meatloaf together and adds texture.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Mediterranean flavor to the meatloaf.
• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and richness to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Egg, Milk: Ingredients that help bind the meatloaf together and keep it moist during cooking.
• Ketchup: An optional topping that adds a tangy and slightly sweet glaze to the meatloaf.

Cooking Steps For Mozzarella Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Set the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s perfectly heated for baking.

Step 2: Create Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Milk
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Thoroughly combine all ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the Base

Spread the meat mixture into a wide, flat rectangle on a sheet of parchment paper, creating an even surface for rolling.

Step 4: Add Cheese Layer

Generously scatter shredded mozzarella across the meat mixture, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent cheese from leaking.

Step 5: Roll the Meatloaf

Carefully roll the meat into a tight log, pinching and sealing the edges to trap the melty cheese inside.

Step 6: Position in Baking Dish

Transfer the rolled meatloaf to a greased loaf pan or baking sheet, positioning it seam-side down for a neat appearance.

Step 7: Optional Flavor Boost

Spread a layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf for an extra tangy flavor dimension.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius).

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking, which helps the juices redistribute.

Slice and serve warm for a delicious meal.

Key Tips For Mozzarella Meatloaf

• Press meat edges firmly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect cheesy center in every slice.
• Select ground beef with 85-90% lean meat to maintain moisture while reducing excessive grease in the meatloaf.
• Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent a tough, dense texture when baked.
• Spread mozzarella evenly and leave small borders to help prevent cheese from completely melting out during cooking.
• Allow meatloaf to sit for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier without crumbling.

Stuffing Ideas For Next Meatloaf Night

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with grated cauliflower, use almond flour as a binder, and serve with roasted vegetables for a keto-friendly version.
• Turkey Mozzarella Meatloaf: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option, keeping the same cheese and seasoning profile.
• Gluten-Free Herb Meatloaf: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for extra flavor complexity.
• Vegetarian Lentil Mozzarella Loaf: Create a plant-based alternative using cooked lentils, flax eggs, and vegetable binders, stuffed with dairy or plant-based mozzarella.

How To Serve Mozzarella Meatloaf Creatively

• Cheesy Companion Platter: Pair the mozzarella stuffed meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted vegetables for a complete comfort meal that balances the rich meat and melted cheese.
• Leftover Love Transform: Slice cold meatloaf and create delicious sandwiches with fresh bread, crisp lettuce, and a zesty mustard spread for a quick next-day lunch.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot, which enhances the savory meat and helps cut through the cheesy richness.
• Family Style Serving: Slice the meatloaf at the table for a dramatic presentation, letting everyone see the gorgeous melted mozzarella center and enjoy the wow-factor of this hearty dish.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory mozzarella stuffed meatloaf brings comfort and excitement to classic dinner tables with its gooey cheese center and hearty meat blend. Rich Italian-inspired flavors promise a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 whole egg

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatic Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C), ensuring proper temperature for even cooking.
2. Create meat mixture by thoroughly blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced onion, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until uniformly combined.
3. Lay out meat mixture on parchment paper, gently stretching into a rectangular shape approximately 1/2 inch thick.
4. Distribute shredded mozzarella across meat surface, maintaining a small uncoated border to prevent cheese leakage during rolling.
5. Carefully transform meat into a compact cylindrical roll, meticulously sealing edges to trap cheese within the meat’s interior.
6. Transfer rolled meatloaf to greased loaf pan or baking sheet, positioning seam facing downward to maintain structural integrity.
7. Optional: Brush ketchup across meatloaf’s exterior for enhanced flavor and attractive glazed appearance.
8. Roast in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 160F (70C), ensuring complete meat doneness.
9. Allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling juices to redistribute and facilitating cleaner slice presentation when serving.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter meatloaf texture.
• Chill the mozzarella before stuffing helps prevent cheese from completely melting out during baking.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or provolone for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg