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Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

A delicious and comforting dish that combines ground beef, Italian sausage, and a gooey cheese center, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef The heart of your meatloaf; lean beef will keep it healthier.
  • 0.5 lbs Italian Sausage Adds spicy flavor; swap for turkey sausage for lighter fare.
  • 1 small Onion, finely chopped Moisture and sweetness; shallots can be a tasty substitute.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Flavor booster; use garlic powder if pressed for time.
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs For binding; panko adds crunchiness, or use gluten-free options.
  • 2 large Eggs Binds ingredients together; flax eggs can serve as a vegan option.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Adds savory depth; nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor for vegans.
  • 2 tbsp Italian Seasoning For classic flavors; create your unique mix if desired.
  • 1 tbsp Parsley, chopped Freshness; any fresh herbs or dried parsley works well too.
  • 0.5 cup Milk Adds moisture; dairy-free or nut milk can be substituted.
  • 1 tsp Salt Balance flavors; adjust to your taste.
  • 1 tsp Pepper Balance flavors; adjust to your taste.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded The cheesy surprise inside; try a vegan cheese substitute if needed.
  • 1 cup Spinach, chopped (optional) Boosts nutrition and color; omit if not a fan.
  • 0.5 cup Marinara Sauce Adds moisture; any favorite store-bought or homemade sauce can work.
  • 0.25 cup Extra Parmesan Cheese For topping; a sprinkle of breadcrumbs can be a crusty option.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper, then mix until fully combined.
  3. On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf (about 9×12 inches).
  4. Create a well in the center of the meatloaf and stuff with mozzarella cheese, spinach (if using), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
  5. Carefully fold the meat around the filling, sealing the edges to form a loaf.
  6. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Cooking
  1. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  2. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  3. Serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.

Notes

To prevent dryness, avoid overmixing the ingredients and allow the meatloaf to rest after baking to retain moisture. For an extra layer of flavor, consider wrapping the meatloaf in bacon before baking. Use a thermometer to ensure doneness.