Quick & Gooey Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting a mouthwatering mozzarella stuffed meatloaf can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Cheese lovers will instantly fall in love with this hearty dish.

Layers of savory meat embrace melted cheese, creating a delightful surprise in every bite.

Lean ground beef combined with aromatic herbs makes this recipe shine bright.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such incredible results.

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning when you slice into this juicy, cheese-filled marvel.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family gathering.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf That Shines

• Surprise Cheesy Center: Discover a delightful mozzarella surprise waiting inside each slice, creating an unexpected burst of creamy goodness that transforms ordinary meatloaf into a spectacular meal.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping herbs, changing meat types, or adding extra spices to match your family's unique taste preferences without complicated adjustments.
• Family Dinner Champion: Packed with protein and loaded with flavor, this meatloaf becomes an instant crowd-pleaser that satisfies both kids and adults with its hearty and comforting profile.
• Simple Preparation Magic: Combine ingredients in one bowl, layer in the pan, and bake – no complex techniques required, making this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and protein-rich foundation for the meatloaf that provides a hearty texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Milk: These ingredients work together to help bind the meat mixture and keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

• Onion, Garlic, Parsley, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Oregano: These seasonings add depth, aroma, and complexity to the meatloaf's overall taste profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty center that creates a delightful surprise when the meatloaf is sliced.

• Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness and helps create a slightly caramelized exterior for extra flavor and moisture.

How to Prepare Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375F (190C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Flavor-Packed Meatloaf Base

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Milk
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried oregano

Blend everything together until the ingredients are perfectly married.

Step 3: Create the Cheese-Filled Foundation

Spread half of the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan.

Press down gently to create an even layer that will cradle the cheese.

Step 4: Add the Gooey Cheese Center

Arrange mozzarella sticks right down the middle of the meat layer.

This will create a spectacular cheese surprise when you slice into the meatloaf.

Step 5: Seal the Cheesy Treasure

Cover the mozzarella with the remaining meat mixture.

Carefully seal the edges to completely hide the cheese inside.

Step 6: Add a Flavor-Boosting Glaze

Spread a thin layer of ketchup across the top of the meatloaf.

This will add moisture and a tangy kick to your creation.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160F (70C). This ensures your meatloaf is cooked through and safe to eat.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice extra succulent.

Slice and serve to eager dinner guests.

Tips to Boost Mozzarella Meatloaf Flavor

• Seal the mozzarella completely inside the meat mixture to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
• Use fresh mozzarella sticks for a creamier, more luxurious cheese filling that melts beautifully.
• Pat ground beef dry before mixing to ensure the meatloaf stays firm and doesn't become watery.
• Let the meatloaf rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute, creating a more tender and flavorful slice.
• For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.

Flavor Options for Mozzarella Meatloaf

• Vegetarian Meatloaf Swap: Replace ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative like Beyond Meat or lentils mixed with mushrooms for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cheese Lover's Version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and replace ketchup with a sugar-free tomato sauce to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining rich flavor.
• Mediterranean Inspired Variation: Add crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella, mix in sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano and thyme for a Greek-inspired meatloaf profile.

Best Complements to Mozzarella Meatloaf

• Hearty Family Dinner Night: Slice this mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf as the centerpiece of a cozy family meal, serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete comfort food experience.
• Gourmet Sandwich Makeover: Transform leftover meatloaf slices into gourmet sandwiches by placing thick cuts between crusty Italian bread, adding fresh arugula and a spread of garlic aioli for extra flavor.
• Meal Prep Champion: Cut cooled meatloaf into individual portions, wrap tightly in foil, and store in the refrigerator for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, reheating quickly in the microwave or oven.

How to Store Mozzarella Meatloaf Properly

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze meatloaf for up to 2-3 months, ensuring it's completely cooled before storing in freezer-safe containers.
• Reheat refrigerated meatloaf in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the meat juicy.
• Thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

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

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Ensure you seal the edges of the meat mixture completely around the mozzarella sticks and avoid cutting too deep when slicing after cooking to keep the cheese inside.

• Is it necessary to use fresh mozzarella?

While fresh mozzarella works great, you can also use pre-packaged mozzarella sticks or block cheese for convenience and similar results.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatloaf in advance and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Savory Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade mozzarella stuffed meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables with rich Italian-American flavors. Cheese-filled meat layers promise a satisfying meal that delivers both heartiness and deliciousness when you slice into this crowd-pleasing dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (150 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (225 grams) block mozzarella, cut into sticks

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup (plus extra for topping)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Carefully distribute half the meat mixture into the lined loaf pan, pressing down firmly to create an even base layer.
4. Position mozzarella sticks lengthwise along the center of the meat layer, ensuring they are centered and not touching the edges.
5. Gently cover the cheese with remaining meat mixture, using fingers to seal the edges completely and prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
6. Delicately brush a thin, even layer of ketchup across the top surface to enhance flavor and maintain moisture.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, verifying doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C) with a meat thermometer.
8. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
9. Slice into hearty portions and serve warm, revealing the melted mozzarella center.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture is thoroughly mixed to distribute seasonings evenly, preventing bland bites.
• Seal cheese completely inside meat to prevent cheese leakage during baking, creating a perfect cheesy center.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat and maintain a moist texture without greasiness.
• Customize by adding chopped bell peppers or swapping mozzarella with different cheese varieties like cheddar or provolone for unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg