The Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf is a game-changer for classic comfort food lovers. With Italian seasoning, rich Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella tucked inside every slice, it’s a warm and satisfying meal that pleases any crowd. The outer glaze of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle tang that balances the rich and cheesy interior.
Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even special Sunday meals, this meatloaf is easy to prepare but impresses with every bite. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in bold flavor and make traditional meatloaf extra exciting. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a fresh salad for a full meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
-
1 cup breadcrumbs
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 large eggs
-
1/2 cup milk
-
1 medium onion, finely chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
1 tsp salt
-
1/2 tsp black pepper
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/2 cup ketchup
-
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
-
On a sheet of parchment paper or clean surface, press the meat mixture into a large rectangle.
-
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the center of the meat rectangle.
-
Carefully roll the meatloaf like a jelly roll, sealing the edges and ends to fully enclose the cheese.
-
Place the rolled meatloaf seam-side down into the prepared loaf pan.
-
In a small bowl, mix ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Spread the glaze evenly over the top.
-
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf is the perfect marriage between hearty homestyle cooking and indulgent, cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together at the dinner table, makes your kitchen smell like a dream, and turns an ordinary evening into something a little more special. This dish isn’t just your typical meatloaf—it’s an elevated version packed with bold flavors, creamy mozzarella in the center, and a tangy glaze on top that seals the deal.
What Makes This Meatloaf Stand Out
What sets this meatloaf apart from the traditional recipe is the mozzarella cheese stuffed right into the center. As it bakes, the cheese melts into a gooey core that adds richness to every bite. The addition of Italian seasonings, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese gives it a robust flavor profile that tastes like something from a rustic Italian kitchen.
Unlike some meatloaf recipes that can be dry or bland, this one is ultra-moist thanks to the combination of milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs, which help bind everything together while keeping it tender. The flavorful ketchup and Worcestershire glaze adds a sweet and savory finish that caramelizes in the oven, creating a gorgeous golden crust.
A Versatile Meal for Any Occasion
This dish is perfect for everything from Sunday dinners to casual weeknight meals. It’s elegant enough to serve when you have guests over but comforting and simple enough for a quiet family night. It pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes—classic mashed potatoes, roasted garlic green beans, buttery corn on the cob, or even a crisp Caesar salad.
You can also prepare it ahead of time, making it a go-to for busy families. Assemble the loaf in the morning or even the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready. It also reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to.
A Great Recipe for Beginners and Pros Alike
Even if you’re new to cooking, this meatloaf is incredibly approachable. All you need is a mixing bowl, a baking dish, and your hands to combine the ingredients. The rolling and stuffing process might sound fancy, but it’s simple and fun. And for seasoned home cooks, there’s plenty of room to make this recipe your own. You can adjust the cheese, seasonings, or even the type of meat to suit your personal taste.
For example, you can swap out mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy twist. Want a leaner version? Try ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork. Love spice? Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the mix. This meatloaf welcomes creativity.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
Kids love this meatloaf—and that’s saying something. The gooey cheese inside makes it fun to eat, and the familiar flavors are comforting without being boring. It’s one of those meals that pleases picky eaters while still feeling sophisticated enough for adults.
You can even get your kids involved in the kitchen. Let them help mix the ingredients, stuff the cheese, or spread the glaze on top. It’s a great way to get them excited about dinner while teaching them basic cooking skills.
The Power of Presentation
The moment you slice into the meatloaf and see that melted mozzarella stretch between slices, it becomes more than just a dinner—it becomes an experience. It’s the kind of presentation that makes people pause and say, “Wow!” before they even take a bite.
For an extra touch, garnish the finished dish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before serving. Serve it in thick slices with your favorite side dish and maybe even a piece of crusty bread to soak up any leftover glaze or juices.
A Meal with Nostalgia and Heart
There’s something about meatloaf that stirs up memories—grandma’s kitchen, after-school dinners, holiday potlucks. It’s a meal that has stood the test of time for a reason. This updated version, filled with rich cheese and herbs, adds a fresh twist while still delivering that same warm, nostalgic feeling.
It’s hearty and grounding, the kind of food that makes you feel taken care of. Whether you’re making it for your partner after a long day, serving it to friends during a casual dinner party, or bringing it to a family potluck, this meatloaf carries love in every slice.
Healthier Swaps and Dietary Tips
While this meatloaf is on the indulgent side, you can easily make adjustments to fit different dietary needs. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. If you’re cutting carbs, you can use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce labels to make sure they’re compliant. Want a keto-friendly alternative? Skip the glaze and use full-fat cheese with low-carb binder substitutes.
It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies—finely shredded carrots, zucchini, or spinach can blend right in without altering the flavor, making it even more nutritious.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers are never a bad thing with this meatloaf. Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, microwave for a couple of minutes, or place slices in a covered dish and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
You can also freeze it! Wrap slices individually for easy meal prep, or freeze the entire loaf after baking and cooling. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when needed.
This makes it an excellent recipe for meal prepping or planning out weekly dinners in advance.
Pairing Suggestions
To make this meatloaf meal even more memorable, pair it with the right sides and drinks.
Here are a few ideas:
-
Mashed Potatoes: Classic, creamy, and comforting. Add roasted garlic for extra flavor.
-
Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes caramelized in the oven complement the savory loaf perfectly.
-
Salad: A simple arugula or Caesar salad adds a fresh contrast.
-
Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti works beautifully.
-
Non-Alcoholic: Try sparkling water with lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea.
Conclusion
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It combines the best of traditional comfort food with bold Italian-inspired flavor and cheesy indulgence. With its tender texture, rich filling, and crowd-pleasing taste, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or dressing it up for guests, this meatloaf brings warmth, flavor, and joy to the table. The best part? It’s simple enough for beginner cooks and versatile enough to adapt to any palate or diet.
So if you’re looking for a dish that satisfies deeply and looks impressive while being easy to make, give this meatloaf a try. From the first bite to the last, you’ll see why it’s a favorite—and why it belongs in your regular dinner rotation.