Name: Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs ground beef; ½ lb ground Italian sausage; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup bread crumbs; 2 large eggs; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp parsley, chopped; ½ cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional); ¼ cup marinara sauce; ½ cup marinara sauce; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a soul-warming, show-stopping meal that fills your kitchen with comfort and brings everyone running to the table, Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is the answer. This isn’t your typical meatloaf—picture tender ground beef and Italian sausage enveloping a core of gooey mozzarella and fresh spinach, topped with vibrant marinara and extra Parmesan for good measure. It’s hearty, cheesy, and absolutely packed with classic Italian flavors, making it just as perfect for Sunday dinner as it is for impressing company.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Stuffed Italian Meatloaf lies in how everyday ingredients come together to create something special. Each item in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, a melty middle, and that beautiful golden crust on top.

Ground beef: Provides richness and the classic hearty texture you expect in meatloaf.
Ground Italian sausage: Adds juicy flavor and those unmistakable hints of fennel and herbs.
Onion, finely chopped: Sweet depth and tenderness once baked in, never overpowering.
Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic, savory notes that make every bite irresistible.
Bread crumbs: Soaks up moisture and helps bind the meatloaf together.
Eggs: Crucial for binding—no crumbly meatloaf here!
Parmesan cheese, grated: Salty, nutty flavor in both the loaf and for topping.
Italian seasoning: A convenient blend that instantly creates an Italian vibe.
Parsley, chopped: Pops of color and a fresh, herbaceous lift.
Milk: Softens the bread crumbs and keeps the loaf juicy.
Salt and pepper: Don’t skip this—proper seasoning is key.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: That stringy, gooey filling everyone loves.
Spinach, chopped (optional): Adds freshness and a little nutrition boost inside.
Marinara sauce: For both inside and on top; go with your favorite jarred or homemade.
Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping: Another sprinkle for that lovely, cheesy crust.

How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. A nice, hot oven gives the meatloaf that lovely browned exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. While it warms up, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with foil for easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a big mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, half a cup of grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Pour in the milk and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roll up your sleeves and gently combine everything—your hands are the best tools here! Be careful not to over-mix; you want everything incorporated, but still tender.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Loaf

Scoop the meat mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and gently form it into a large rectangle, about 9 by 12 inches. Think of this as your “blank canvas.” Next, make a shallow trench down the center, being careful not to go all the way through to the bottom or the edges.

Step 4: Fill with Goodness

Now comes the fun part—layer the shredded mozzarella across the well, followed by a spill of chopped spinach (if you’re using it) and a few spoonfuls of marinara. This is the stuffed Italian Meatloaf magic moment, so don’t be shy about piling up that cheese!

Step 5: Seal and Shape

Fold the sides of the meat mixture up and over so the filling is completely tucked away inside. Pinch the edges closed and nudge the loaf back into a neat shape. The key here is to make sure there are no gaps or holes, so your mozzarella stays safely snuggled inside while it bakes.

Step 6: Top with Marinara and Parmesan

Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top of your meatloaf, then finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. This gives you that irresistibly saucy, cheesy crust that makes Stuffed Italian Meatloaf so craveable.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the loaf into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F. The outside will be deeply browned, the cheese inside will be bubbly, and your kitchen will smell like a little trattoria. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps all the juices redistribute for the best texture.

How to Serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan right before serving adds both color and a final pop of flavor. If you want to get festive, a few ribbons of fresh basil make it look as good as it tastes. A swirl of warm marinara on top is never a bad idea.

Side Dishes

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is wonderfully rich, so pairing it with something bright and fresh really balances the meal. Go for garlicky green beans, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. Of course, classic mashed potatoes or buttered pasta are perfect if you’re feeling extra indulgent. And don’t forget plenty of crusty bread for sopping up the sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-worthy twist, slice the meatloaf thickly and serve each piece over a bed of simple arugula dressed with olive oil and lemon. Mini individual meatloaves also make for adorable dinner party plates, and leftovers can be tucked into a toasty ciabatta roll for a genius hot sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store slices of Stuffed Italian Meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making this a great make-ahead weekday dinner or lunch.

Freezing

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf freezes beautifully. Simply wrap slices (or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To avoid freezer burn, consider placing the wrapped meatloaf in a freezer-safe zip-top bag as well.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the meatloaf (covered with foil) at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For individual slices, the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps everything nice and juicy. Add a spoonful of marinara to each slice before reheating for extra moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different meats for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey, pork, or even chicken for the ground beef and sausage. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as leaner meats may cook a bit faster and could benefit from a splash more milk for moisture.

Is spinach necessary in the filling?

Not at all. Spinach adds a fresh, earthy note and a pop of green, but you can leave it out or swap in other vegetables like roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms for a personalized touch.

What’s the best way to keep meatloaf from falling apart?

Proper binding is key! Eggs and bread crumbs give the loaf structure, and letting the meat mixture rest for a few minutes before shaping also helps. Avoid over-mixing the meat, which can make the loaf dense and crumbly.

Can I assemble Stuffed Italian Meatloaf in advance?

Yes—prepare the loaf, stuff it, and cover tightly. Store it in the fridge up to a day ahead, then bake as directed. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or entertaining.

How do I know when my Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. You want the center to reach 160°F for a juicy, safe, and fully cooked loaf. The cheese should be melted and the juices should run clear.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something memorable that brings all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of Italy to your table, give Stuffed Italian Meatloaf a try. It’s the kind of dish that turns any dinner into a celebration—and I can almost guarantee you’ll be going back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Let this become your new favorite comfort food!

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 30 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the savory flavors of this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf, a delicious twist on a classic dish. Packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, parsley, milk, salt, and pepper.
Form meatloaf: On a baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a rectangle. Create a well in the center and stuff with mozzarella, spinach, and marinara sauce.
Enclose filling: Fold the meat around the filling, sealing the edges to form a loaf.
Add toppings: Spread marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce if desired.

Notes

You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like bell peppers or mushrooms.
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian