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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 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.
- Carefully distribute half the meat mixture into the lined loaf pan, pressing down firmly to create an even base layer.
- Position mozzarella sticks lengthwise along the center of the meat layer, ensuring they are centered and not touching the edges.
- Gently cover the cheese with remaining meat mixture, using fingers to seal the edges completely and prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Delicately brush a thin, even layer of ketchup across the top surface to enhance flavor and maintain moisture.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, verifying doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C) with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- 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