Devastatingly Delicious Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Okay, friends, let me tell you about my obsession: Italian food! Growing up, my granny, God rest her soul, could whip up a feast with just a few ingredients and a whole lotta love. She always said, “Riley, darlin’, Italian food is about family, flavor, and makin’ memories.” And boy, was she right! That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs – it’s pure comfort food with an Italian twist.

I’ve taken everything I learned from her and put my own spin on it. This isn’t just any meatloaf; it’s a flavor explosion, stuffed with gooey cheese and fragrant herbs. Honestly, this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs is one of those dishes that just makes you feel good. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it’s perfect for a cozy night in. And trust me, even though it looks fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to make—even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen. So, let’s get cookin’!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Okay, so why *this* meatloaf recipe? Well, let me tell you, this isn’t your average, boring meatloaf. This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs is special. It’s got layers of flavor, it’s surprisingly simple to throw together, and it’s always a hit, no matter who I’m serving it to. Seriously, what’s not to love?

It’s Packed with Flavor

Wow, the flavor in this thing! The combination of savory Italian sausage, melty cheese, and fresh herbs? Forget about it! It’s an absolute party in your mouth, trust me.

It’s Surprisingly Easy to Make

Don’t let the “stuffed” part scare you off! This recipe is way easier than it looks. Seriously, if I can do it (and I’ve had my fair share of kitchen disasters!), you absolutely can too.

It’s a Crowd-Pleaser

Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or you’re having friends over, this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs is guaranteed to be a winner. Everyone always asks for seconds… and the recipe!

Ingredients for Your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Alright, gather ’round, because we’re about to talk ingredients! And let me tell you, using quality ingredients makes ALL the difference in this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs recipe. So, grab your list and let’s get this show on the road! You’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start mixing. Trust me, it makes things so much easier!

The Meatloaf Base

For the base, you’ll need: about 1.5 pounds of ground beef, and about half a pound of Italian sausage (I usually go for mild, but if you like a kick, use hot!), one cup of breadcrumbs, two large eggs, half an onion diced, two cloves of garlic minced, two teaspoons of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skimp on the seasoning, it’s what gives it that real Italian flavor!

The Cheese & Herb Filling

Now, for the good stuff – the cheesy, herby filling! You’ll need: 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, shredded (I like to use the low-moisture kind so it melts perfectly), about 4 ounces of provolone cheese, sliced, a quarter cup of fresh basil, chopped, a quarter cup of fresh oregano, chopped, and a quarter cup of fresh parsley, chopped. And hey, don’t be shy with those herbs – the more the merrier, I always say!

How to Prepare Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs that’ll knock your socks off. Promise! Make sure you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You don’t want to forget that step!

Preparing the Meat Mixture

Alright, in a large bowl (and I mean large – you’ll need some room!), combine your ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Get your hands in there and mix it all up really well. But hey, don’t overmix it! We’ll talk about that later.

Assembling the Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Now, grab a baking sheet and either line it with parchment paper or grease it really well. Then, take about half of your meat mixture and flatten it into a rectangle, about 1 inch thick. Next, layer on that gorgeous mozzarella, provolone, basil, oregano, and parsley. Don’t be shy! Now, carefully top it with the remaining meat mixture, and gently seal the edges all the way around. Make sure that cheese doesn’t escape! This is key to a really great Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs.

Baking the Meatloaf

Pop that beauty into your preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. You want the internal temperature to reach 160°F (71°C). Once it’s done, take it out and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Trust me, this is important!

Serving Your Delicious Meatloaf

Finally, slice that Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs up and serve it hot! Garnish with some fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. My favorite part is seeing that gooey cheese oozing out! It’s just so satisfying. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Want to take your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips to help you nail this recipe every single time. These little things will make a big difference, I promise!

Don’t Overmix the Meat

Seriously, this is important! Overmixing the meat makes it tough as shoe leather. Mix just until everything’s combined, then step away! Trust me on this one.

Use Fresh Herbs

Dried herbs are okay in a pinch, but fresh herbs? They’re a game-changer! They add so much more flavor and fragrance. It’s worth the extra effort, trust me.

Let it Rest

I know, I know, it’s tempting to dive right in. But letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a much juicier and more flavorful meatloaf. Patience, my friend!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Okay, let’s talk substitutions! Sometimes you just don’t have everything on hand, and that’s totally fine. This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs recipe is pretty flexible, so don’t be afraid to tweak things a bit. Just remember, a few simple swaps can make a world of difference, so choose wisely!

Italian Sausage

Mild, hot, sweet… the choice is yours! If you’re not a fan of spice, definitely stick with mild. But if you like a little kick, hot Italian sausage will add a serious punch of flavor. I love using a mix of both, honestly!

Cheese Variations

Mozzarella and provolone are my go-to cheeses for this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs, but feel free to experiment! Fontina would be amazing, or even a little grated parmesan for extra flavor. Get creative!

Serving Suggestions for Your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs… now what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! You can keep it simple, or go all-out Italian. It’s totally up to you! Honestly, half the fun is figuring out what flavors complement the meatloaf best, right?

Classic Sides

You can’t go wrong with classic comfort food! Think creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Easy peasy!

Italian-Inspired Sides

Want to keep that Italian theme going? Serve your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs with a side of pasta tossed in marinara sauce, or some crusty garlic bread for soaking up all those delicious juices. Yum!

FAQ About Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Got questions about this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Hopefully, this will clear up any confusion!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time. It’s a lifesaver!

Can I freeze Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs?

Yep! Wrap the unbaked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

What if I don’t have Italian sausage?

No problem! Just use ground pork and mix in a packet of Italian seasoning. It won’t be *exactly* the same, but it’ll still be delicious. Trust me!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers… if you do, that is! To store, just pop the sliced meatloaf into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually microwave it for a minute or two, or you can warm it up in a skillet with a little olive oil. Just don’t overcook it, or it’ll dry out!

Nutritional Information for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Okay, a quick note about nutrition! Keep in mind that the nutritional information for this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, I’m not providing precise numbers here. Just enjoy it, okay?

Rate This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs Recipe!

Loved this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs? Let me know! Give it a rating below and leave a comment – I love hearing from you all!

Print