Homemade Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy Family Favorite

Crafting a hearty mozzarella stuffed meatloaf transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.

Savory ground beef becomes the perfect canvas for melty cheese magic.

Bold flavors and unexpected textures await in this comfort food classic.

Home cooks can easily create a meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Rich meat mingles with gooey cheese, promising a delightful surprise in every slice.

Meat enthusiasts will appreciate the simple yet sophisticated approach to a traditional dish.

Satisfy those comfort food cravings with a mouthwatering twist on a beloved classic.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Provides the primary protein and structure for the meatloaf, best with 80/20 lean to fat ratio for juiciness.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and helps maintain meatloaf's shape.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and creates a lighter meatloaf texture, can use plain or seasoned.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic base to the meatloaf, fresh is always better than dried.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal and savory notes to complement the meat.
• Paprika: Offers mild sweetness and soft color to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a gooey, melty center with rich dairy flavor.
• Ketchup: Provides sweet and tangy glaze on top of the meatloaf, classic American-style finish.

How to Bake Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your loaf pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Base

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix until everything is perfectly blended.

Step 3: Build the Cheese Pocket

Split the meat mixture into two equal portions.

Press the first half into the bottom of the pan, creating a cozy well in the center.

Step 4: Stuff with Gooey Goodness

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella right into the meat well.

Make sure the cheese stays nestled in the center.

Step 5: Seal the Cheesy Treasure

Carefully cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture.

Pinch and press the edges to completely seal in the melty surprise.

Step 6: Add the Tangy Topping

Spread a smooth layer of ketchup across the top of the meatloaf, creating a delicious glaze.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let it cook for 50-60 minutes.

Check that the internal temperature hits 160°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf take a quick 10-minute break before slicing.

This helps the juices settle and makes for cleaner, more delicious cuts.

Insider Know-How for Juicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

• Pinch meat edges firmly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect cheese center in every slice.
• Select 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef to maintain moisture while reducing excess grease in the meatloaf.
• Add grated parmesan or worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for an extra umami and complexity to the overall taste.
• Allow meatloaf to sit 10-15 minutes after baking so juices redistribute, creating a more tender and succulent texture.
• Use shredded mozzarella at room temperature and avoid large chunks to ensure even melting throughout the center.

Store Stuffed Meatloaf And Reheat Evenly

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, preserving flavor and texture.
• Warm slices at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming and preventing rubbery texture.

Best Accompaniments for Stuffed Meatloaf

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich meat and cuts through the cheesy center with balanced acidity.
• Hearty Side Dish: Roast garlic parmesan asparagus or herb-infused roasted potatoes to add brightness and texture that matches the savory meatloaf.
• Fresh Salad Companion: Toss a crisp arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette, creating a light contrast to the dense, cheesy meatloaf and refreshing the palate between bites.
• Zesty Condiment Option: Serve homemade tomato relish or spicy marinara on the side to enhance the Italian-inspired flavors and provide an extra layer of tangy excitement.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf with Cheesy Center Options

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free ketchup for topping.
• Low-Carb Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf: Substitute breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese or ground pork rinds. Replace milk with heavy cream for added richness.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh chopped oregano, basil, and thyme. Add crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Meatloaf: Mix in diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a hot kick. Top with spicy sriracha ketchup for extra heat.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same cooking method.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the edges of the meat mixture completely and avoid overfilling the cheese center. Press the meat firmly around the cheese to create a tight seal.

• Is there a trick to keeping the meatloaf moist?

Use a combination of breadcrumbs and milk to help retain moisture, and avoid overcooking. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to help redistribute the juices.

• Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?

You can assemble the meatloaf up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

What Sets Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Apart

• Elevate Family Dinner: A mouthwatering meatloaf that transforms an ordinary meal into a cheesy, exciting experience for everyone at the table.
• Quick and Simple Prep: Combines classic meatloaf ingredients with minimal steps, allowing busy home cooks to create a delicious main dish in under an hour of total time.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Introduces a surprise mozzarella cheese center that adds gourmet flair to a traditional recipe, making each slice a delightful, melty surprise.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Offers a protein-packed meal that appeals to both children and adults, with familiar flavors and an irresistible cheesy center that makes dinnertime fun.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty mozzarella stuffed meatloaf promises a delightful twist on classic comfort cuisine. Savory ground beef embraces molten cheese, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece that will make dinner guests swoon with satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese and Topping:

• 1 cup (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the kitchen oven to 375°F, preparing a loaf pan with a light coating of cooking spray or parchment paper.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, whisking in eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, aromatic Italian seasoning, warm paprika, creamy milk, and balanced salt and pepper until ingredients form a uniform mixture.
3. Carefully partition the meat mixture, gently pressing one half into the prepared loaf pan, crafting a central cavity for the cheese filling.
4. Generously nestle shredded mozzarella cheese into the meat’s core, ensuring an even distribution without piercing the base layer.
5. Delicately drape the remaining meat mixture over the cheese, meticulously sealing the edges to create a complete cheese-encased loaf.
6. Artfully brush a vibrant layer of ketchup across the meatloaf’s surface, providing a tangy glaze.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 160°F, indicating perfect doneness.
8. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and stabilize before slicing into rich, cheesy portions.

Notes

• Prep meat mixture gently to keep meatloaf tender and prevent dense texture.
• Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to balance flavor and reduce excess grease during baking.
• For gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Experiment with cheese variations like cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg