Stuffed Italian Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Stuffed Italian meatloaf: Prepare to experience meatloaf like never before! Forget everything you thought you knew about this classic comfort food because we’re about to elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, savory meatloaf, bursting with a molten core of melted mozzarella, flavorful Italian sausage, and vibrant vegetables. Sounds incredible, right?

Meatloaf itself has humble origins, tracing back to medieval Europe as a way to use leftover scraps of meat. It gained immense popularity in America during the Great Depression as an affordable and filling meal. But this isn’t your grandmother’s plain meatloaf! We’re taking inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Italy to create a truly unforgettable dish.

What makes this stuffed Italian meatloaf so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The tender, seasoned ground beef provides a hearty base, while the gooey cheese and savory sausage add a delightful richness. The vegetables not only contribute to the overall flavor profile but also keep the meatloaf moist and juicy. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to transform a simple classic into a culinary masterpiece!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatloaf:
• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and moisture)
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred, but plain works too)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Stuffing:
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Sauce:
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage. Make sure to break up any large clumps with your hands. You want a nice, even mixture of the two meats.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley to the bowl. These ingredients will help bind the meatloaf together and add flavor.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. This wet mixture will help keep the meatloaf moist.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the meat and breadcrumb mixture.
5. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Now, here’s the important part: gently mix everything together with your hands. Don’t overmix! Overmixing will result in a tough meatloaf. Mix just until everything is combined.

Preparing the Stuffing:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
2. Add the lightly beaten egg, salt, and pepper to the ricotta mixture.
3. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This ricotta mixture will provide a creamy and flavorful center to your meatloaf.

Assembling the Stuffed Meatloaf:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup much easier!
3. On the prepared baking sheet, gently pat half of the meatloaf mixture into a large rectangle, about 1 inch thick. Try to make it as even as possible. This will be the base of your meatloaf.
4. Carefully spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf base, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This border will help seal in the stuffing.
5. Arrange the mozzarella cheese slices over the ricotta cheese mixture, covering it completely. The mozzarella will melt beautifully and create a gooey, cheesy center.
6. Gently pat the remaining meatloaf mixture into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. This will be the top layer of your meatloaf.
7. Carefully place the top meatloaf layer over the cheese filling. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom layers together to seal the meatloaf completely. Make sure there are no gaps where the filling can escape.
8. Gently shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape. You can use your hands to smooth out the surface and create a nice, even shape.

Making the Sauce:

1. While you’re assembling the meatloaf, you can start preparing the sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
4. Add the water, dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar (if using).
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Baking the Meatloaf:

1. Pour about half of the prepared tomato sauce over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly over the top and sides.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is cooked through.
3. During the last 15 minutes of baking, you can spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the meatloaf. This will create a nice, glossy finish.
4. Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Serving:

1. Carefully slice the meatloaf into thick slices.
2. Serve the slices with extra tomato sauce, if desired.
3. This stuffed Italian meatloaf is delicious served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the stuffing. Provolone, fontina, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious.
• Vegetable Additions: You can add finely chopped vegetables to the meatloaf mixture, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers. This will add extra flavor and nutrients.
• Breadcrumb Options: If you don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add a pinch of Italian seasoning. Panko breadcrumbs will also work well and will give the meatloaf a slightly crispier texture.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture or the sauce.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Freezing: Cooked meatloaf can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Serving Suggestions: This meatloaf is fantastic served with a side of roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. You can also use the leftover meatloaf to make sandwiches.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: While this recipe is traditionally made with ground beef and Italian sausage, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be sure to add a little extra olive oil or butter to the meatloaf mixture to keep it moist.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the meatloaf and sauce. Fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage would all be delicious additions.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, would pair perfectly with this stuffed Italian meatloaf.

Enjoy your delicious and impressive Stuffed Italian Meatloaf! It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just meatloaf; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen! I truly believe this stuffed Italian meatloaf recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game. The combination of savory ground meat, flavorful Italian sausage, and that gooey, cheesy center is simply irresistible. It’s a comforting classic with a delightful twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Think about it: tender, juicy meatloaf, bursting with the vibrant flavors of Italy, and then you slice into it to reveal that molten mozzarella surprise. It’s a showstopper, both in taste and presentation! Forget everything you thought you knew about meatloaf – this recipe will redefine your expectations.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative with your fillings. Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even a sprinkle of spinach would all be fantastic additions. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use a spicy Italian sausage.

Serving suggestions are endless. A simple side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, complements the richness of the meatloaf perfectly. Or, for a more comforting meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. And don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices!

If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even use leftover meatloaf to make incredible sandwiches the next day. Imagine slices of warm meatloaf nestled between toasted ciabatta bread with melted provolone cheese and a smear of pesto. Talk about a lunch upgrade!

I’ve made this stuffed Italian meatloaf countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect dish for a family dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a special occasion. It’s impressive enough to serve to guests, yet simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and seasonings to create your own signature version. Cooking should be fun and creative, so let your imagination run wild!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a meatloaf masterpiece. I promise, this stuffed Italian meatloaf will become a new family favorite.

Once you’ve tried it, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what sides you served it with, and most importantly, what your family thought! Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover the joy of this amazing recipe. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help.