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Cheesy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Cheesy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

This Cheesy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful dinner option that combines juicy ground beef with a delicious blend of Italian seasonings, spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese inside. Topped with marinara sauce and extra cheese, it’s a hearty meal packed with classic Italian flavors, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Filling and Topping

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2 cups marinara sauce, plus extra for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line a baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  3. Form Bottom Layer: Spread half of the meat mixture evenly in the baking dish, shaping it into a rectangular layer to create a base for the filling.
  4. Add Filling: Layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat, followed by the chopped spinach, and then drizzle with 1/2 cup of marinara sauce to add moisture and flavor.
  5. Top With Remaining Meat: Cover the filling with the remaining meat mixture, carefully sealing the edges to encase the filling completely.
  6. Add Marinara Sauce on Top: Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf to keep it moist during baking.
  7. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
  8. Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for best results and food safety.
  • Feel free to substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before using.
  • For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or a mix of ground turkey and beef.
  • The meatloaf can be made ahead and refrigerated, then baked on the day you plan to serve it.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, Italian meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, stuffed meatloaf, easy dinner, comfort food, baked meatloaf

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/cheesy-stuffed-italian-meatloaf-recipe/