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Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella

Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella
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A comforting and flavorful Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella recipe featuring juicy ground beef enveloping a gooey mozzarella center. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish balances savory seasoning with cheesy delight for an irresistible meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds lean to medium-fat ground beef
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (fresh or shredded)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings & Toppings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free), finely chopped onion and garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which helps keep the meatloaf tender after baking.
  2. Shape the Base Layer: On a sheet of parchment paper or a clean surface, flatten about two-thirds of the meat mixture into a rectangular shape approximately 9×7 inches. This will be the base of your stuffed meatloaf.
  3. Add the Mozzarella Filling: Evenly arrange strips or shredded mozzarella cheese across the center of the flattened meat, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges to ensure the cheese stays contained inside during cooking.
  4. Cover with Remaining Meat: Carefully lift and fold the remaining meat mixture over the cheese layer. Press and pinch the edges to seal the mozzarella completely within, forming a loaf shape.
  5. Bake and Glaze: Transfer the meatloaf to a baking pan. Spread ketchup or tomato sauce evenly on top to create a tasty glaze. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the cheese inside is molten.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps lock in the juices, making each slice moist and flavorful when served.

Notes

  • Let ground meat and eggs sit at room temperature briefly for even cooking.
  • Mix meat gently to avoid creating a dense loaf.
  • Seal the edges carefully to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated tightly wrapped for up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently in oven at 300°F wrapped in foil or microwave on medium power with frequent checks.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed meatloaf, mozzarella meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, comfort food, family dinner, baked meatloaf

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/stuffed-meatloaf-with-mozzarella/