The Art of Ultimate Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Melted Cheese Perfection

Perfect Meat Mixture Mastery

Master the technique of combining meats and seasonings without overmixing for optimal texture.

Cheese Filling Excellence

Learn the skill of creating and containing cheese filling for perfect melted center.

Assembly Technique Perfection

Perfect the method of layering and sealing meatloaf to prevent filling leakage.

Marinara Glaze Balance

Master the art of creating flavorful glaze that complements without overpowering.

Baking and Temperature Control

Learn optimal baking techniques for perfectly cooked meatloaf with melted cheese center.

Gourmet Italian Cooking Mastery Secrets for Perfect Stuffed Meatloaf Excellence

Meat Selection: Combination of beef and Italian sausage provides best flavor and texture.

Cheese Filling: Keep cheese filling away from edges to prevent leaking during baking.

Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to ensure meatloaf reaches safe 160°F internal temperature.

Resting Time: Let meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent filling from oozing out.

Glaze Application: Apply glaze in layers for best flavor development and appearance.

Make Ahead: Can be assembled day ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella and Herb Filling and Marinara Glaze

Name: Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella and Herb Filling and Marinara Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Perfect Meatloaf:; 2 pounds ground beef (80/20); 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 large eggs; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; For the Italian Seasoning:; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; For the Cheese Filling:; 8 oz mozzarella cheese, diced; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Marinara Glaze:; 1 cup marinara sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

The ultimate stuffed Italian meatloaf featuring perfectly seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage filled with melted mozzarella cheese, fresh herbs, and Italian seasonings, topped with a rich marinara glaze. This gourmet Italian-American comfort food masterpiece combines the hearty satisfaction of traditional meatloaf with the bold flavors of Italian cuisine and the indulgent surprise of melted cheese filling, creating an unforgettable dinner experience that elevates simple ingredients to extraordinary heights perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and aromatic Italian flavors.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

1H15 Minutes

Total Time

1H35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Meatloaf:

2 pounds ground beef (80/20)

1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1/2 cup whole milk

2 large eggs

1 medium onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

For the Italian Seasoning:

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Cheese Filling:

8 oz mozzarella cheese, diced

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Marinara Glaze:

1 cup marinara sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Vegetable Medley:

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Flavor Enhancers:

1/4 cup red wine

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

For the Topping:

Extra mozzarella cheese, shredded

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese

For the Gourmet Touches:

2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)

1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped

2 tablespoons capers (optional)

For Special Equipment:

9x5 inch loaf pan

Large mixing bowl

Small saucepan

Meat thermometer

Aluminum foil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease 9x5 inch loaf pan.

In small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with milk and let soak 5 minutes.

Heat olive oil in skillet and sauté diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.

In large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, and soaked breadcrumbs.

Add beaten eggs, sautéed onion mixture, and fresh herbs.

Season with Italian seasoning, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Mix gently with hands until just combined, don't overmix.

For cheese filling, combine mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan.

Add fresh herbs and garlic powder to cheese mixture.

Divide meat mixture in half and press first half into loaf pan.

Create well in center of meat, leaving 1-inch border on all sides.

Spoon cheese filling into the well, mounding slightly.

Top with remaining meat mixture, sealing edges completely.

Shape into smooth loaf and press down gently to compact.

For marinara glaze, combine sauce, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar.

Add Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning to glaze.

Brush half of glaze over top of meatloaf before baking.

Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes in preheated oven.

Remove foil and brush with remaining glaze.

Continue baking 20-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Top with extra mozzarella cheese in last 10 minutes of baking.

Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to set properly.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan.

Slice carefully to showcase the beautiful cheese filling inside.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella and Herb Filling and Marinara Glaze

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Melted Cheese Perfection

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella and Herb Filling and Marinara Glaze

Ingredients

Instructions