Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf: Prepare to experience meatloaf like never before! Forget everything you thought you knew about this classic comfort food because we’re about to take it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine slicing into a perfectly browned, savory meatloaf to reveal a molten core of creamy, stretchy mozzarella cheese. Intrigued? You should be!

Meatloaf itself has a fascinating history, evolving from humble beginnings as a way to use leftover scraps of meat into a beloved dish enjoyed across cultures. While its exact origins are debated, variations can be found throughout Europe, and it gained immense popularity in America during the Great Depression as an affordable and satisfying meal. But let’s be honest, sometimes meatloaf can be a little… predictable. That’s where the mozzarella comes in!

People adore this dish because it’s the ultimate comfort food with a delightful surprise. The combination of the savory, seasoned meat with the gooey, melted cheese is simply irresistible. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Plus, a good meatloaf, especially this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf, is perfect for meal prepping and leftovers. So, are you ready to ditch the boring meatloaf and embrace this cheesy, flavorful upgrade? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor)
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Preparing the Meat Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage. I like to use my hands to really get in there and mix them well, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
2. In a separate small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for about 5 minutes. This helps to soften the breadcrumbs and adds moisture to the meatloaf.
3. Add the soaked breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, onion, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Again, use your hands (or a large spoon) to gently combine all the ingredients. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Stuffing the Meatloaf:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. On a large cutting board or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, gently pat the meat mixture into a large rectangle, about 1 inch thick.
3. Carefully arrange the mozzarella cheese cubes in a line down the center of the meat rectangle, leaving about an inch of space on each end.
4. Now comes the tricky part! Gently lift one side of the meat rectangle and fold it over the mozzarella cheese, then repeat with the other side, creating a log shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the meatloaf and prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking. Make sure the seam is on the bottom.
5. Gently transfer the meatloaf to a baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish.

Making the Tomato Sauce Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. This glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the meatloaf.
2. Pour the tomato sauce glaze evenly over the meatloaf, making sure to coat the entire surface.

Baking the Meatloaf:

1. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked through.
2. During the last 15 minutes of baking, you can baste the meatloaf with the pan juices for extra flavor and moisture.
3. Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious.
• Vegetable Additions: Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients. Sauté them lightly before adding them to the meat mixture to soften them.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use hot Italian sausage.
• Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or even rolled oats as a substitute.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
• Leftovers: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great in sandwiches or reheated for another meal.
• Preventing a Dry Meatloaf: The key to a moist meatloaf is to avoid overcooking it. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s cooked to the correct temperature. Also, adding enough moisture to the meat mixture (like the soaked breadcrumbs) is crucial.
• Enhancing the Flavor: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A little smoked paprika or garlic powder can add a lot of depth of flavor.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown:

Ground Beef:

I recommend using an 80/20 blend of ground beef for the best flavor and moisture. The fat content helps to keep the meatloaf from drying out. You can use leaner ground beef if you prefer, but you may need to add a little extra moisture to the meat mixture.

Ground Italian Sausage:

Sweet or hot Italian sausage works well in this recipe. Choose your favorite! The sausage adds a lot of flavor and helps to keep the meatloaf moist. If you don’t have Italian sausage, you can use regular ground pork and add some Italian seasoning.

Breadcrumbs:

Plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs can be used. If you’re using plain breadcrumbs, you may want to add a little extra Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk is essential for adding moisture to the meatloaf.

Milk:

Whole milk is recommended for the best flavor and moisture, but you can use 2% milk or even almond milk if you prefer.

Egg:

The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatloaf together. Make sure to lightly beat the egg before adding it to the meat mixture.

Parmesan Cheese:

Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor to the meatloaf. You can use freshly grated Parmesan cheese or the pre-grated kind.

Parsley:

Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the meatloaf. You can use dried parsley if you don’t have fresh, but fresh is always better.

Garlic:

Minced garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the meatloaf. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

Onion:

Finely chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and flavor to the meatloaf. Make sure to chop the onion finely so it cooks evenly.

Oregano and Basil:

Dried oregano and basil are classic Italian herbs that add a lot of flavor to the meatloaf. You can use fresh oregano and basil if you prefer, but you’ll need to use more since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Salt and Pepper:

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the meatloaf. Adjust the amount to your taste.

Mozzarella Cheese:

Fresh mozzarella cheese is the star of this recipe! It melts beautifully and adds a creamy, cheesy center to the meatloaf. Make sure to cut the mozzarella cheese into 1/2-inch cubes so it melts evenly.

Tomato Sauce:

Canned tomato sauce forms the base of the glaze. You can use plain tomato sauce or tomato sauce with herbs and spices.

Brown Sugar:

Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the glaze. You can use light or dark brown sugar.

Worcestershire Sauce:

Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the glaze.

Troubleshooting:

Meatloaf is Dry:

If your meatloaf is dry, it could be due to a few reasons. First, make sure you’re not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C) and no higher. Second, ensure you’re adding enough moisture to the meat mixture. The soaked breadcrumbs are crucial for this. You can also add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf isn’t just another meatloaf recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The juicy, seasoned meat surrounding that molten mozzarella core is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special enough for a weekend gathering.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and delivers a wow factor that will impress your family and friends. Forget dry, bland meatloaf of the past; this version is moist, flavorful, and packed with cheesy goodness. The combination of the savory meat and the creamy mozzarella is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables – finely diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers blend seamlessly into the meat mixture, adding nutrients and moisture without anyone even noticing!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ground meats – a blend of beef and pork works beautifully, or you could even try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf with a classic side of mashed potatoes and gravy. The creamy potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich meatloaf.
* Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, are another excellent choice for a healthy and delicious side dish.
* For a more casual meal, slice the meatloaf and serve it on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, like lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of ketchup or mustard.
* Get creative with the cheese! Try using provolone, fontina, or even a smoked gouda for a unique flavor profile.
* Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms and onions to the center of the meatloaf along with the mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
* For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binder.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the best meatloaf you’ve ever had!

I’m so excited for you to try this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf! I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do. And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite sides to serve with it? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let’s create a community of meatloaf lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy cooking! Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! Your feedback helps others discover this delicious dish.