italian stuffed meatloaf recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best italian stuffed meatloaf recipe

I’ve been making Italian stuffed meatloaf for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The recipe comes from my grandmother, who learned it from her Italian friend. It’s a classic dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

The meatloaf is made with ground beef, pork, and a blend of herbs and spices that give it a unique taste. The best part is the stuffing – a mix of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs that gets all wrapped up inside the meatloaf. When you slice into it, the flavors just burst out.

My kids love helping me make this recipe, and they always ask for seconds. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Plus, it’s actually pretty healthy – we’re talking lean protein and veggies galore.

I love that it makes great leftovers too, so we can have it for days after. My husband even requests it for his birthday dinner every year! It’s just one of those dishes that never fails to please.

I’ve tried making it with different types of cheese and herbs, but the original recipe is still my favorite. My mom even uses this recipe as inspiration for her own stuffed meatloaf creations. It’s just one of those recipes that never goes out of style.

Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

4.6 from 1477 votes

A classic meatloaf filled with a savory blend of spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella, then baked with a rich tomato glaze. This dish combines the comfort of meatloaf with the flavors of Italy for a satisfying family meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time55 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6On the prepared baking sheet, flatten the meat mixture into a 10×12 inch rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
7Spread the cheese filling evenly over the meat, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
8Starting from a long side, carefully roll the meatloaf into a tight log, using the parchment paper to help lift and roll.
9Pinch the seams and ends to seal the filling inside.
10Place the roll seam-side down on the baking sheet.
11In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, and basil.
12Brush half of the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
13Bake for 40 minutes, then brush with the remaining glaze and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer.
14Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
15This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
16Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve warm.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Aluminum foil
Meat thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 135mg🧂Sodium: 890mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork. The meatloaf can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Watch Video Of How Italian Stuffed Meatloaf Works

This Italian stuffed meatloaf recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a comforting meal on a weeknight.

It’s easy to make ahead and reheat when needed, so you can prep it on the weekend or day before an event and then serve it up on the big day.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

Q: What is Italian stuffed meatloaf?

This dish originated in Italy where cooks would stuff their meatloaves with a variety of ingredients like cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs.

Q: What type of cheese do you use in this recipe?

We use mozzarella cheese which adds a nice flavor to the dish.

Q: Can I substitute other types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute other types of meat like ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Q: How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The preparation time for this recipe is about 30 minutes.

Q: Can I freeze this meatloaf after cooking?

Yes, you can freeze this meatloaf after cooking for up to 3 months.

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