This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy, flavorful ground beef is packed with melty mozzarella, seasoned perfectly, and baked to golden perfection. It’s one of the best quick and easy recipes with ground beef, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Whether you’re looking for easy recipes for dinner or classic comfort food, this cheesy meatloaf hits the spot. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how quickly it disappears from the plate!
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
- 4) How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
- 5) Tips for Making Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
- 6) Making Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
- 8) Try these Comfort Food next!
- 9) Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is a juicy, cheesy twist on a comfort food favorite.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly for busy weeknights.
- Filled with melty mozzarella and topped with marinara and more cheese.
- Perfect for meal prep and makes great leftovers.
2) Easy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf recipe is everything you want in a hearty, home-cooked meal. At Elena Cooks, we believe in recipes that are not only full of flavor but also simple to prepare and perfect for families. With easy recipes with ground beef gaining popularity, this dish is a delicious way to use ground beef creatively. You’ll love how the juicy beef is seasoned perfectly, filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. From the first bite, the savory Italian seasoning and rich marinara will have you coming back for seconds. It’s a fantastic option when you’re looking for comfort food that feels elevated but is easy enough to make on a weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen hero. Visit Elena Cooks for more easy dinner ideas and comfort food favorites!
3) Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
Ground Beef (2 lbs): Choose a blend with at least 15-20% fat to keep the meatloaf juicy and flavorful. Lean ground beef may dry out during baking.
Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold the meat mixture together so your meatloaf doesn’t fall apart when sliced.
Breadcrumbs (1 cup): These absorb moisture and help give the meatloaf structure. Use plain or Italian-seasoned depending on your preference.
Salt (1 tsp) and Pepper (1 tsp): Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the meat mixture.
Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Provides a sweet onion taste without the texture of chopped onions.
Italian Seasoning (1/2 tsp): A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that complements the marinara and mozzarella beautifully.
Chopped Parsley (1/4 cup): Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
Shredded Mozzarella (1 cup for filling, 1/2 cup for topping): The star of the show, mozzarella melts beautifully and gives you that perfect cheese pull in every bite.
Marinara Sauce (1/2 cup): Adds moisture, flavor, and a bit of acidity to balance the rich meat and cheese. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
4) How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This easy recipes with ground beef dinner is about to become a household favorite.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until everything is just combined without overmixing, which can toughen the meat.
Step 3: Transfer the meat mixture to the baking sheet and shape it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. This forms the base for your stuffed meatloaf.
Step 4: Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese across the center of the meat layer, leaving space along the edges so it doesn’t ooze out while baking.
Step 5: Carefully roll the meat into a loaf, sealing the edges well. You can use your hands or a piece of parchment paper to help with the rolling.
Step 6: Spread the marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. This step locks in flavor and helps the top brown nicely.
Step 7: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
5) Tips for Making Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
If you want your stuffed meatloaf to be extra moist and flavorful, consider using a combination of ground meats such as beef and pork. Another great tip for easy recipes with ground beef is to avoid pressing down too firmly when forming the loaf—light shaping will keep the texture tender. Don’t forget to use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. You can also experiment with spices—smoked paprika or crushed red pepper add a bit of heat. Adding a little ketchup to the meat mix can …
6) Making Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Ahead of Time
This recipe from Elena at Elena Cooks is perfect for make-ahead dinners. You can assemble the loaf up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes while your oven preheats. You can also bake it in advance, then reheat slices for quick meals throughout the week. This flexibility makes it ideal for busy families or meal prepping, just like ot…
7) Storing Leftover Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
To store leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in foil and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If you’re using frozen slices, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This is one of those easy recipes for dinner that gets even better the next day, especially when paired w…
8) Try these Comfort Food next!
9) Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf – Quick and Easy Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for filling)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
- Place the meat mixture on the prepared baking sheet and flatten it into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Sprinkle the center with 1 cup shredded mozzarella, leaving a border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the meat into a loaf, sealing the edges to enclose the cheese.
- Top the meatloaf with marinara sauce and the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
10) Nutrition
Nutrition (per serving, makes ~6 servings): 410 calories, 28g fat, 10g saturated fat, 110mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 10g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, 30g protein.
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