stuffed italian meatloaf recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best stuffed italian meatloaf recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite stuffed Italian meatloaf recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a unique twist on traditional meatloaf.

The combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian seasonings is absolute perfection. My family loves it because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover bread or vegetables you might have on hand.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is the way the meatloaf holds together beautifully after cooking. It’s not too dense or dry, and the flavors really meld together nicely. I’ve served this at countless family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always a hit.

My kids especially love helping me mix the ingredients together – they get so excited when they get to add in all the cheese and herbs! As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as you can easily slice it up and store it in the fridge or freezer for later.

The health benefits of this recipe are another perk – with lean ground beef and plenty of veggies mixed in, you know you’re getting a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

4.9 from 829 votes

A hearty and flavorful meatloaf stuffed with Italian sausage, cheese, and spinach. Served with a rich tomato glaze.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time1 hr 20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano

For the Stuffing

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup frozen spinach
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
2 cloves garlic

For the Glaze

1 cup tomato sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp dried basil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold together when pressed.
5In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, thawed and drained spinach, mozzarella cheese, and minced garlic.
Set aside.
6In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and dried basil.
7Mix well and set aside.
8Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of a greased loaf pan.
9Spread the cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the meat.
10Top with the remaining meat mixture, pressing down gently to seal.
11Spoon the tomato glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly.
12Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
13The top should be browned and crispy, and the juices should run clear when the meatloaf is poked with a fork.
14Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Loaf pan
Oven
Sauté pan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier meatloaf, use spicy Italian sausage. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the stuffing mixture.

Watch Video Of How Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Works

This stuffed Italian meatloaf recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – just pop it in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350°F and voila!

You’ll have yourself a hot, delicious meal ready to go. Another tip is to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days – perfect for meal prep or grabbing a quick lunch on-the-go.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Q: What makes this stuffed Italian meatloaf recipe so special?

This recipe stands out from the crowd because of its unique blend of Italian seasonings, including oregano, basil, and parsley. These herbs add an authentic Italian flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy!

Q: Can I customize this recipe to suit my family’s tastes?

Of course! One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s tastes. For example, if your kids don’t like oregano, you can simply omit it or substitute in another herb.

Q: How do I ensure that my meatloaf stays moist?

To prevent your meatloaf from drying out, make sure to not overmix the ingredients – just mix them until they’re combined, then stop mixing! Also, be sure to cook the meatloaf at a moderate temperature (around 350°F) to prevent it from burning.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef in this recipe – just be aware that it might have a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How long does this recipe take to make?

This recipe comes together relatively quickly – you can have it ready to cook in about 30 minutes! Just remember to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it.

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