Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Stuffed Italian meatloaf transforms a familiar comfort food into something special with savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and gooey melted cheese in the center.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Feel free to experiment with different cheese types.
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce For topping.
- fresh basil, chopped Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until incorporated.
- On a clean surface, form the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Evenly spread the diced bell pepper, onion, and shredded mozzarella over the center of the meat rectangle.
- Fold in the edges of the meatloaf and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the formed meatloaf in a baking dish and pour marinara sauce evenly over the top.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Leftovers taste even better the next day. Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to avoid crumbling. This dish pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes, fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.