I’ve always loved experimenting with comfort food, and one of my all-time favorites is a good meatloaf. Recently, I decided to give it an Italian twist, and the result was nothing short of amazing. This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf combines juicy ground beef, savory Italian seasoning, and a melted cheese center that surprises every bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole kitchen smell irresistible, and it’s perfect for bringing the family together around the dinner table.

From the first time I baked this, I knew it would become a staple. What makes it special is the stuffed center—mozzarella cheese and optional spinach tucked inside, wrapped in seasoned beef. As it bakes, the cheese melts into a gooey, flavorful core, creating a delightful contrast with the well-seasoned meat. Every slice is packed with flavor, and even picky eaters can’t resist coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This meatloaf is more than just a classic dinner; it’s a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The Italian flavors elevate the traditional meatloaf, and the stuffed cheesy center makes it feel extra special. It’s satisfying, filling, and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions.

Versatile:
You can customize this meatloaf easily. Swap spinach for roasted peppers, mushrooms, or other vegetables, or change the cheese to provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile. Serve it with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Budget-Friendly:
Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is affordable. Ground beef, Italian sausage, and pantry staples like bread crumbs, eggs, and cheese make it cost-effective, while still delivering a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Ingredients for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf:

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 (for stuffing)
½ cup marinara sauce (for topping)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

This combination of ingredients is simple yet packed with flavor. Once you try it, I guarantee it will become a go-to recipe for cozy dinners and gatherings.

How to Make This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Making this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is easier than it looks, and following a few simple steps ensures a perfectly juicy, flavorful loaf every time. I always start by preparing all ingredients so the process is smooth and enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the meatloaf cooks evenly and the cheese inside melts perfectly.
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ lbs of ground beef with ½ lb of ground Italian sausage. Add 1 finely chopped small onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Then mix in 1 cup of bread crumbs, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Pour in ½ cup of milk, season with salt and pepper, and mix thoroughly. Make sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated for consistent flavor.
Shape the Meatloaf:
On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf, roughly 9×12 inches. This shape makes it easier to stuff the center and ensures even cooking.
Create the Stuffing Well:
Carefully create a well or hollow in the center of the meatloaf, leaving about an inch of meat around the edges. This will hold the filling securely while baking.
Add the Filling:
Stuff the well with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of chopped spinach (optional), and a spoonful (about ¼ cup) of marinara sauce. The combination of melted cheese and vegetables adds moisture and flavor to the meatloaf.
Seal the Meatloaf:
Gently fold the meat around the filling, pressing the edges together to seal. This step is important to prevent the cheese from oozing out while baking.
Add Toppings:
Spread the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, flavorful crust.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This guarantees the beef is fully cooked while staying juicy.
Rest Before Slicing:
Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier without the filling spilling out.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the meatloaf carefully and serve with extra marinara sauce if desired. Pair it with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Quick and Easy Tips

Even though this meatloaf looks gourmet, it’s actually quite simple. Preparing the meat mixture and stuffing it doesn’t take long. Using pre-shredded cheese and pre-chopped vegetables can save extra time without compromising flavor.

Customizable Options

You can easily customize this recipe by using different cheeses like provolone or gouda, or adding roasted peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling. Swap spinach for kale or zucchini for a different vegetable twist. The recipe is flexible while still maintaining its classic Italian taste.

Crowd-Pleasing Factor

This meatloaf is perfect for families or gatherings. The stuffed center creates a fun surprise, making it visually appealing and delicious. It’s a recipe that impresses without being complicated, and it satisfies everyone at the table.

FAQs About Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and stuffing a few hours in advance or even the night before. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake it when ready.

2. Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Absolutely. Wrap the unbaked or fully cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

3. Can I use only ground beef instead of beef and Italian sausage?
Yes, using all ground beef works fine. However, adding Italian sausage gives the meatloaf extra flavor and moisture, which makes it more savory and tender.

4. Can I omit the spinach?
Definitely. Spinach is optional. You can also substitute with other vegetables like kale, zucchini, or roasted peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

5. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to create a deep well for the stuffing and seal the edges tightly when folding the meat around it. Letting the meatloaf rest after baking also helps the cheese stay in place.

6. What should I serve with this meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Extra marinara sauce on the side enhances the flavor.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf combines ground beef, Italian sausage, herbs, and a cheesy stuffed center for the ultimate comfort food. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

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 (for stuffing)
½ cup marinara sauce (for topping)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, parsley, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Shape the mixture into a rectangle about 9×12 inches on a baking sheet.
Create a well in the center and fill with mozzarella cheese, spinach (if using), and ¼ cup marinara sauce.
Fold the meat mixture over the filling, sealing the edges to form a loaf.
Spread ½ cup marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with extra marinara sauce if desired.

Notes

You can replace spinach with mushrooms, roasted peppers, or zucchini for variety.
Use different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a new twist.
Preparing ahead is easy—assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Author: Layla
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes