This Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of savory ground beef and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
The rich aroma of the meatloaf as it bakes fills the kitchen, promising a feast for the senses. Slicing into the perfectly cooked meatloaf reveals the melted cheese center, offering a delightful surprise in every bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1½ lbs ground beef (80% lean)
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1 cup plain breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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1 small onion, finely diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent—about 5 minutes.
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
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On a clean surface or parchment paper, shape half of the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella down the center of your meat rectangle.
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Carefully fold over the sides of the meat mixture to encase the cheese. Place on the baking sheet seam-side down.
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Spread ketchup or BBQ sauce on top.
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Bake for approximately 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
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Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 561 kcal
Servings: 7 servings
A Comfort Food Classic with a Cheesy Twist
Few dishes say “home-cooked comfort” more than meatloaf. It’s nostalgic, filling, and incredibly satisfying. But when you take that classic meatloaf and stuff it with rich, gooey mozzarella cheese, it becomes something truly special. Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella combines the best of both worlds—hearty tradition and indulgent innovation. The result is a main course that’s both rustic and elevated, simple yet impressive.
This dish brings out the familiar warmth of a homemade meal, yet surprises your taste buds with every cheesy bite. Whether served on a quiet weeknight or plated with sides for a dinner party, this version of meatloaf is designed to bring people together and satisfy big appetites. It’s the kind of meal that gets requested again and again, remembered long after the plates are cleared.
What Makes This Meatloaf Special
Classic meatloaf is already a beloved staple in many households, but the addition of mozzarella turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. The creamy, stretchy cheese stuffed inside provides a delightful contrast to the savory meat exterior. When baked to perfection, the meat is juicy and tender, while the mozzarella melts into a luscious core.
This isn’t just about adding cheese for the sake of flavor—it enhances the texture and experience of the dish. Each slice reveals a beautiful center of molten mozzarella, offering a rich mouthfeel that makes the dish feel luxurious without being complicated. It also reheats wonderfully, making leftovers just as exciting as the original meal.
Perfect for Family Dinners and Special Gatherings
This meatloaf isn’t just tasty—it’s versatile. For weeknight dinners, it’s a no-fuss solution that provides a wholesome meal in one go. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp side salad. For special occasions, this dish can be dressed up with a gourmet glaze, served with artisan bread, or paired with a red wine reduction for added elegance.
Its family-friendly appeal also makes it a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the cheesy surprise inside, while adults appreciate the depth of flavor and satisfying bite. It’s a dish that crosses generational preferences and dietary sensibilities, all while staying rooted in the comforting familiarity of traditional cooking.
Why Mozzarella is the Ideal Choice
Mozzarella cheese is mild, creamy, and melts beautifully, which makes it the perfect choice for stuffing meatloaf. Its high moisture content ensures that it becomes gooey without drying out or becoming rubbery. Unlike sharper cheeses that can overpower the beef, mozzarella complements it by adding richness without competing for attention.
This cheese also brings visual appeal. When sliced hot, the mozzarella stretches in long, tempting strands that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. This visual element makes it an ideal dish to photograph and share—perfect for food bloggers, social media, or even family recipe scrapbooks.
The Role of Aromatics and Seasonings
What truly rounds out the flavor profile of this dish are the onions, garlic, and Italian herbs. Sautéed onions bring sweetness and depth, while garlic adds a touch of sharpness. The blend of Italian seasoning—usually a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary—adds a savory fragrance that enhances both the meat and the cheese.
These seasonings don’t just flavor the meatloaf; they also infuse the aroma that fills the kitchen while the loaf bakes. That smell alone is enough to draw people to the table. It’s comforting, mouthwatering, and sets the tone for a meal that feels both nurturing and indulgent.
Easy Enough for Beginners, Impressive Enough for Guests
One of the most appealing aspects of this stuffed meatloaf is how beginner-friendly it is. The preparation is straightforward, with minimal steps and common ingredients. Yet, the presentation and final result feel polished and restaurant-worthy. This makes it a favorite for people who want to cook more at home without the stress of complex techniques.
Even for seasoned home cooks, this recipe serves as a flexible base. You can experiment by mixing different meats—such as pork, veal, or turkey—or by changing up the cheese filling. Try mixing in herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a bit of pesto for added flavor dimension. The simplicity of the base recipe makes it easy to adapt without losing its core appeal.
Serving and Storage Tips
For best results, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to firm up slightly, making slicing easier and cleaner. Serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes or something lighter like steamed greens or a vinegar-based slaw.
If you’re cooking for a smaller household, leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully—wrap slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. The mozzarella inside ensures that even reheated slices remain moist and delicious.
Pairing Suggestions
The flavors in this meatloaf pair well with both traditional and modern accompaniments. Try serving it with:
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Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
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Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots
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A tangy tomato chutney or balsamic glaze
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Red wine such as Merlot or Chianti for an Italian-inspired evening
If you want to elevate the dish further, consider topping it with extra cheese in the final few minutes of baking, or brushing it with a mix of ketchup and brown sugar for a caramelized crust.
A Recipe That Brings People Together
At its heart, this Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella is about connection—through food, flavor, and tradition. It’s the kind of meal that people gather around, that sparks conversation, and that lingers in the memory long after the meal is over. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or cooking just for yourself, this recipe offers something deeply satisfying.
It’s not just the cheese that makes it irresistible—though that’s a big part of it. It’s the combination of warmth, flavor, ease, and creativity. It’s about taking something familiar and making it just a little bit better, one delicious bite at a time.
Conclusion
Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella is a modern comfort food marvel. It offers all the heartiness of traditional meatloaf while adding a layer of indulgent surprise in the form of melted cheese. It’s easy enough for weekday cooking but special enough to serve for guests. The aromas that fill the kitchen, the golden crust, the oozy cheese center—these are the things that turn a humble meal into a cherished favorite.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with home-cooked traditions or just want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and that undeniable comfort food vibe make it a timeless addition to any kitchen.