Description
Succulent Stuffed Italian Meatloaf delivers a hearty Mediterranean culinary adventure with layers of rich ground beef and savory cheese. Rustic flavors blend seamlessly, promising a comforting meal that will transport diners straight to an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) ground beef
- ½ pound (227 grams) ground Italian sausage
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
Herbs, Vegetables, and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- ¼ cup marinara sauce (for filling)
- ½ cup marinara sauce (for topping)
- ¼ cup (25 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
Instructions
- Meticulously blend ground beef and Italian sausage with aromatic herbs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring thorough incorporation of all ingredients.
- Gently construct a flat, elongated rectangular shape on a baking sheet, creating a substantial foundation for the flavor-packed protein centerpiece.
- Excavate a central cavity within the meat mixture, preparing a hidden compartment for the luscious interior embellishments.
- Strategically layer mozzarella cheese, vibrant spinach, and a dollop of robust marinara sauce into the carefully crafted interior pocket.
- Delicately envelop the filling, meticulously sealing the edges to create a seamless, compact culinary sculpture.
- Lavishly drape the exterior with additional marinara sauce, then dust with a delicate sprinkle of aged Parmesan cheese for enhanced texture and flavor.
- Roast in a preheated oven, allowing the meatloaf to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece, verifying doneness through an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Allow the dish to rest and settle for a brief interlude, permitting juices to redistribute and flavors to harmonize.
- Present the succulent creation, offering extra marinara sauce as an optional accompanying enhancement.
Notes
- Ensure meat mixture is thoroughly mixed but not overmixed to maintain a tender texture and prevent dense, tough meatloaf.
- Use fresh mozzarella for creamier, more luxurious filling that melts beautifully inside the meatloaf.
- Drain excess moisture from spinach completely to prevent soggy meatloaf and maintain structural integrity.
- Consider gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour for low-
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg