Description
Hearty mozzarella stuffed meatloaf delivers classic comfort with an Italian twist. Melted cheese center and savory meat create a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) shredded mozzarella
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
Instructions
- Craft a uniform meat mixture by thoroughly blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Lay out parchment paper and gently spread the meat mixture into a thin, rectangular shape approximately 12-inch thick, ensuring an even surface.
- Position mozzarella cheese strategically along the center of the meat rectangle, leaving adequate margins on all sides for rolling.
- Carefully and tightly roll the meat around the cheese, methodically sealing the edges to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Grease a baking dish or loaf pan and delicately transfer the rolled meatloaf, maintaining its structural integrity.
- Optional: Brush the exterior of the meatloaf with a layer of ketchup for a tangy, caramelized glaze.
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and position the meatloaf inside, allowing it to bake for 45-55 minutes until the internal temperature precisely reaches 160F (71C).
- After removing from the oven, permit the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, cohesive texture before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier version of the meatloaf, reducing overall fat content without compromising flavor.
- Ensure the meat mixture is evenly distributed to prevent cheese from leaking during baking by gently pressing and sealing the edges with wet hands.
- For a gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the meatloaf’s texture and binding.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and a boost of color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 395 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg